Signs your brakes need attention
Have your brakes checked if you notice any of these.
- A high-pitched squeal or a grinding noise when you brake. It can mean the brakes are worn thin.
- A brake pedal that vibrates or pulses. This can point to warped rotors.
- A pedal that feels low or spongy, or needs more effort to press than it used to.
- The vehicle pulls to one side. It can be a sign of uneven wear on the brake linings.
- The vehicle takes longer to stop.
- A burning or smoky smell. It can mean the brakes are overheating or fluid is leaking.
- A clear-yellow, oily fluid under the vehicle. That can be a brake fluid leak.
- The ABS light or the brake warning light comes on.
Brake warning lights
If the brake warning light comes on while you’re driving, first make sure the parking brake is fully off. If the light stays on, have the brakes checked as soon as possible. Ford Canada warns that driving with that light on can mean a big drop in braking performance and a longer distance to stop.
Why brakes wear at different rates
How fast brakes wear depends on how you drive. Frequent hard braking and stop-and-go traffic both shorten their life. AAA says a brake pad thinner than about a quarter inch (6 mm) will likely need replacing.
Brake fluid
Brake fluid breaks down over time. It picks up contaminants from the system and absorbs moisture from the air, which lowers its boiling point. The common types, DOT 3 and DOT 4, should look clear to amber. Fluid that is dark brown or black should be replaced.
Modern vehicles have a see-through brake fluid reservoir with MIN and MAX marks. A level below MIN can mean worn brakes or a leak, so have it looked at as soon as possible. Your owner’s manual will say if your vehicle has a set interval for changing the fluid.
At Hub Motor Service
We do brake service at our shop on Essendene Avenue at Gladys Avenue, in historic downtown Abbotsford. We have five service bays, and our team includes Myron Warkentin, Michael Warkentin and Corey Polson, all fully licensed Red Seal Automotive Technicians. Oil changes and scheduled maintenance are on our maintenance page.