Signs that your brakes need a service include squealing or grinding noises whilst braking, sluggish response times and shaky steering wheel.

Your car's various braking systems play an important role in keeping you and your family safe while driving and it is important to make sure your car is in a safe and working order. There are some common problems you can spot yourself with a little information...

• Puddles under the car - If you notice puddles under your car that are neither water or oil there is a chance you have a brake fluid leak.
• Visible wear-and-tear - If you can see your brakes through the you might be able to tell with a visual inspection that your brakes need attention.
• High-pitched screeching - A design feature in most modern brake pads includes embedding a small piece of metal which produces a warning sound when your brake pads are getting low and need replacing.
• Pedal vibration - This is usually a sign the rotors are getting too old and may be warped. Replacing the rotors usually fixes the issue.
• Screeching (even with new brake pads) - Excessive and hard braking creates a lot of heat which can burn or even warp the brake rotors. Screeching noises from brakes with good condition pads may indicate the rotors need replacing.
• Poor stopping response - If your brakes seem slow to respond or are not as effective as they should be it could indicate a leak in either the brake hoses or leaking brake fluid
• Overly sensitive brakes - If the slightest touch of the brakes tends to "jerk" the car to a stop rather than smooth controlled braking it usually means you are due for a brake fluid change. It can also indicate uneven wearing of the brake rotors.
• Brake pedal goes all the way to the floor - This could be caused by a number of things including air in the brake fluid, low brake fluid levels, brake pads getting too thin or even a hydraulic system issue.
• Car pulls to one side - When a car "Pulls to one side" under braking it is usually an indication that the brake linings require adjustment due to uneven wear, it could also point to contaminated brake fluid which will need to be replaced.
• Grinding sounds - Grinding or Growling sounds often mean that the brake pads are completely worn out. You should get the car looked at by a mechanic immediately and avoid driving if possible if you hear such noises from your brakes

Regular car servicing is the best way to prevent problems, but if you notice anything amiss, contact Vast Automotive ASAP to get it checked out.

• ABS Brakes: Antilocking brake system. Allows the wheels to maintain traction with the road and prevents them from locking up and causing dangerous skidding.
• Electric Brakes: Brake system often found in trailer brakes.
• Hand Brake: Parking brake used to keep the vehicle stationary, particularly when the vehicle is parked on an incline.
• Brake Pads: Pads which clamp onto the Disc rotors to create friction and bring the vehicle to a stop.

For a high quality Brake Service at a competitive price, speak with the team at Vast Automotive or book online. We are located at 34 McMahon Street
and service many customers in Traralgon and the surrounding areas.

Get more useful information in Repco's Auto Facts Videos;

• Braking & Disc Pads
• Brake Fluids