Cars and trucks alike need to have working brakes. If your brakes are squealing, then it’s a sign that something is wrong with them. Here is some more information on how brakes are supposed to work, why they squeal, and what you can to do next.

How Your Brakes Work

Take a look at the underside of your car. You’ll either have disc brakes or drum brakes. The discs will also be equipped with rotors, which attach the brake to the wheel, and calipers that attach to the brake pads. When you hit the brake, the pads put pressure on the rotor. This mechanism is what brings your vehicle to a halt. Depending on how old your car is, you might see the drum style of brakes. The drum brakes work the same way, but the only difference is that the brake pads squeeze the drums to stop the car.

Why They Squeal

How worn out are your brake pads? If they’re too worn down, that’s probably the reason why your brakes keep squeaking and squealing. Every set of disc brakes are equipped with wear indicators, pieces of metal that will hit the rotor when the brake pad is too worn down. That’s where the squealing sound comes from, so when you hear it, it means you’re going to need some replacement brake pads.

If you don’t get any replacement work done in a timely fashion, your problems will only get worse. In fact, once you hear a strange grinding noise, it means the backing plate has damaged the rotor.

What to Do Next

Now that you know why your brakes are squealing, you need to do something about them. Get them repaired as soon as possible. If there’s too much heat or pressure on your brakes, they’ll squeal. When you hear this, you should pull over and let them cool down. Be careful if your summer adventures involving driving near any mountains. The higher elevation can also cause brakes to squeal. If your brake pads are made of carbon metal, they’ll also squeal sometimes. It’s just a design flaw. That said, every set of brakes will squeal occasionally. But if it comes and goes, then you don’t have much to worry about. If it happens and doesn’t stop, then you need to get new brakes pronto.

Trick Trucks Has the Answers to All Your Questions

If you want to upgrade your vehicle, then come to see us at Trick Trucks. We are happy to make sure your truck is in great condition and is looking fresh all year round. We have over forty years of experience, so there is nothing we haven’t seen. Give us a call at 1-866-60-TRICK or visit us online. Follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube to keep up with our newest projects and to gain inspiration for your next one.

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Brake systems are one of the most vital elements of your car. Having a good pair of brakes can spare you a lot of time and money for fixing your car if it’s totaled. Even more importantly, properly tuned and maintained brakes could save your life. You never know what could happen out there on the open road. Before your next adventure, you should get your brakes inspected. Here’s how you can know when your brake systems are in need of repairs.

Strange Noises

One of the first indications something is wrong with your brake systems is when they start emitting strange noises. Weird noise coming from your brakes is the most frequent sign that repairs are in order. The rotors that help maneuver the brakes could have worn down through long periods of use without inspection. You might hear a telltale squeaking or shrieking as metal rubs against metal. Dust can gum up the works, and so can a tired brake sensor. You’ll know it’s time for a change when your brakes scream every time you engage them. Once this happens, get them replaced or repaired as soon as possible.

The Pedals Shake

You might also feel the shaking coming through the floorboards of your car. Do your gas and brake pedals shake extremely violent while the car is in motion? You can feel shaking and other sorts of disruptions just by putting your foot on the pedal for the brake. Deposits can build up, too. These deposits need to be removed to restore normal functionality. Why is getting rid of deposits so important? Because they can tamper with the smooth operation of your brake systems – the quicker your brakes respond, the sooner you can force your car to stop. This aspect of your brakes is particularly crucial in event of an emergency situation where you might have to abruptly stop with little warning. There are other problems from worn down brake systems besides delayed stoppage. Your car, truck, or any other vehicle just won’t handle as well, and that can be dangerous enough in its own right.

Brake Systems are Unresponsive

Brakes depend on the natural phenomenon of friction in order to work correctly. Without enough friction, your truck won’t be able to stop as quickly as you’d like. The term for this is commonly referred to simply as “brake fade”. Maybe the summer heat outside has caused your brake fluid to evaporate? Overheated brakes work less efficiently, as do aging ones.

Visual Signs of Damage

Sometimes, all you need to do is take a look at your brake systems. Can you see any obvious signs of damage? Worn down rotors and brake pads will tell you once you get a good look.

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Looking to get your truck ready for your next road trip? Trick Trucks is here to help. With over forty years of experience servicing trucks, we have the expertise and equipment you need. Contact Trick Trucks online or by calling 1-866-60-TRICK. To find out more about our services and trucks, follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.

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