If your brakes didn’t work properly then you wouldn’t be able to drive your vehicle. After all, the brakes matter, right? They need to be in good shape for you to stop when you want to, and if they’re “going” there will be some signs. What should you look for or notice to know that your brakes may soon need to be repaired or replaced?

First, see if a brake light is on– this appears on the dashboard. For instance, you might notice a brake pad indicator light indicating your fluid level is abnormal. Your brake pads might be wearing out. Also check to see if the parking brake indicator light is on. If it is, the brake is “on” and/or there could be a problem with it. 

Next, listen for certain noises when you engage your brakes. Generally, a squealing noise that seems high-pitched indicates your brake pads are coming into contact with the rotor and thus “wearing out.” Furthermore, if you hear a grinding noise, get to a mechanic quickly. You might have a brake pad or shoe that’s scraping on metal contact points. 

Thirdly, when you apply your brakes, notice if the vehicle– or steering wheel– starts to shake, wobble or pulse. If so, you might have uneven rotors and/or your rotor surface has worn down. If the brakes seem “soft” or “spongy” like they’re not giving resistance when you press down on them, then you might have a problem with your braking system such as air or moisture in the system. It could also indicate a master cylinder issue. And if your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, that’s something for a mechanic to investigate because it’s not normal. 

Finally, look for leaking fluid on the ground. When new, brake fluid is clear or slightly yellow. Over time, it darkens, so if you see a distinct light brown to dark brown color spot beneath your vehicle, there could be a problem. 

If your brakes are unsalvageable and you’d rather just invest in a used car, check out the inventory at 443 Auto Sales.

Just like the human body relies on fluids to work right, so do vehicles. There are different fluids in vehicles, from brake fluid to engine oil and then some. What are some of the different fluids in most vehicles, and how often should they be checked? 

Brake fluid (aka hydraulic fluid) helps make sure your vehicle’s braking system works well. If you lack brake fluid then your brakes won’t work! Look for your vehicle’s master cylinder reservoir in order to find its brake fluid. Usually it’s translucent and shows a line where the fluid level currently is located. When it’s “minimum” then it’s time for a brake fluid change and refill. 

Engine oil is another important fluid in your vehicle. It lubricates and cleans your engine. Look for a marked oil dipstick that can be pulled out and checked to see how your oil looks. If it’s low or dirty, it’s time for a change. 

Transmission fluid lubricates moving parts inside your vehicle’s transmission. Check it like you’d check your oil. If the dipstick shows it’s low or dirty, replace the transmission fluid. 

Some other fluids worth checking include power steering fluid, windshield wiper fluid and coolant. If you’re not sure where to look for these or how to refill/replace certain fluids, you can always bring your vehicle to a professional who does that sort of thing for a living… And if you have any questions about fluids in vehicles, you’re welcome to call and ask 443 Auto Sales at 570-386-0443. 443 Auto Sales sells used vehicles in Lehighton, PA, and is located at 2848 Blakeslee Boulevard.