One of the biggest challenges faced by motorists is knowing what signs to look and listen for which indicate a small problem that can be fixed before it causes too much trouble. This article can help. When it comes to recognizing vehicle trouble, most motorists listen for sounds coming from their engine. However, it’s important to remember that there a number of other aspects of your vehicle which can also start to make unusual sounds when they need your attention. Your brakes make for the perfect example.

How to Know When Your Brakes Need Your Attention

To help you recognize some of the more common signs that your brakes need a bit of TLC, Jim Ackney has the following information to share.

Does the Dog Bark Each Time You Brake?

There are many sounds which a car makes that are completely normal. The engine humming, the air conditioner flowing, or even your indicator lights clicking, for example. These are all normal sounds. If your car makes a squealing noise, however, well this just isn’t on the list of normal sounds a car should make. If you are hearing this noise when you put pressure on your brake pedal then the chances are that you need to tend to your brakes. Modern brake pads include a small metal pin which lives inside the brake pad material. As your brake pads begin to wear down, the pin becomes more and more exposed, until it reaches a point where it scrapes against when wheels of your car, making that horrid noise that makes all of the dogs in the area bark!

Click!

The only clicking sound that you should hear coming from your vehicle is the sound of you and your passengers clicking their seat belts into position. If you can hear a clicking noise coming from your brakes, then this is a sound which you shouldn’t hear. One of the causes of this sound could be that one of your brake pads has slipped out of its position or has become loose. When this happens, your brake pads shift in their holder and cause a clicking sound as you brake. If you can hear your brakes clicking, give them a check. Alongside your brake pads, the cause for a number of brake related problems is a lack of quality brake fluid. Be sure that your brake fluid is at the recommended level and is in good condition. If it looks like your brake fluid has seen better days, click here to buy AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid and replace yours today. If you aren’t sure which is the right product for your vehicle, speak with an expert at Jim Ackney by calling (780) 476-0545 today!

That Took Longer Than I Expected

If this is a thought you have one you come to a complete stop at the red light then it’s a good sign your brake are on their way out. Given that you drive your car often, you are the best person to get a feel for how your cars should perform. If you sense that it is taking longer and longer to stop each time, give your brakes some attention as they are likely due for a replacement.

Where Do You Think You're Going?

There are many directions in which a car should go. However, they should all be at the direction of the driver, not deciding where it wants to go by itself. If you have noticed that your car has begun to lean heavily to one side as you brake then it could be a sign of brake problems. While there are a few potential causes, the uneven wear of your brake pads along with loose calipers could be causing the change of direction. Whatever the cause, be sure to have your brakes looked at to ensure they are working safely and correctly.

Boost Your Engine's Performance With a Synthetic Oil Change in Edmonton, AB Canada

If you notice any of the above scenarios when you slow your car or bring it to a complete stop then the first place to look is your brakes. Often, a visual inspection is all that is needed to notice glaring problems, so don’t be afraid to have a look yourself before you take it to your mechanic. If you find that your brake fluid is the cause, give Jim Ackney a call at (780) 476-0545 to find out which products are best suited to your vehicle to improve your brake performance. Alternatively, visit the online store for more information about the range of high-quality AMSOIL products available.