Why You Should Never Ignore Brake Warnings
Not all auto shops are created equal.
How many times have you seen a warning light or other indication that something might be wrong with your vehicle—even a steed as dependable as the Land Rover Defender—and just assumed it’s probably nothing, or that the system is simply overly sensitive? If that sounds familiar, then you’re taking an expensive and potentially deadly approach to your vehicle maintenance, especially when it comes to your brakes.
Warning Signs Your Brakes are in Trouble
Besides dashboard lights, there are other warning signs that your brakes might be in trouble:
- Squeaking – indicating that the brake pads are wearing thin
- Grinding – indicating that the brake pads are dangerously thin and the rotors are being damaged
- Spongy brake pedal – indicating that you likely have air in the brake lines
- Vibrations – indicating that there is uneven wear and tear (warping) on your brake rotors
- Vehicle pulling to left or right – indicating that you have a sticking calliper or faulty wheel cylinder
People put off taking their vehicle to a mechanic for many reasons, but usually it’s because they think they can save some money. Read on to the next section to discover why there’s no good reason to ignore brake warnings—or other signs of trouble with your vehicle.
Road Safety
The most important reason to heed brake warnings? Brakes that are even marginally faulty or defective make your vehicle entirely unsafe and unroadworthy. If you’re driving a Defender in Turks and Caicos, especially, with so many unpaved and potholed roads creating tougher driving terrain, driving with brakes operating at less than 100 percent is unthinkable.
What’s more, keeping your brakes and other vehicle components in good order isn’t just about keeping you and your passengers safe—it’s also for the safety of other drivers on the roads, as well as cyclists and pedestrians.
Maintenance and Repairs Will Cost More
Next, you might think you’re saving money by ignoring brake warnings until it’s time for a regular car service. In reality, though, you’re likely creating an even more expensive problem for yourself. If your brake pads are wearing thin, for example, and you’re hearing that squeaking noise still months away from your regular service, there’s no guarantee whatsoever that those brakes will continue to be safe until service time. They will most likely wear down and expose the rotors to metal on metal contact, which will warp the rotors and require that you replace them entirely.
Which do you suppose is the more expensive of the repairs? A quick and routine changeover of brake pads, or a full mechanical replacement of brake rotors?
Repairs Will Take Longer
Likewise, ignoring brake warnings and exacerbating the problem will only ensure that your Landrover Defender or other vehicle will be in the shop for repairs for a longer period of time as opposed to a quick and simple service job.
Some Things Are Always a Problem
Strange noises, leaks, rumbling and vibration, and excessive heat are all general red flags when it comes to your vehicle. It doesn’t matter its brand, model year, trim level…no car is meant to squeak, grind, vibrate or leak. And while it’s true that sometimes a warning light does come on in error, only a trained technician armed with an OBD-II scanner tool can check that for you to be sure.
The lesson therefore remains: Never ignore a warning sign that your brakes are in trouble.
Need to have your brakes checked? Stop by TC Defenders
Talk to Us at TC Defenders
Whether your brake warning light has just come on or you’re hearing any unusual noise coming from your brakes (with the understanding that any noise is unusual), then stop by the TC Defenders shop immediately. Time is of the essence to prevent a costly repair or replacement job, and to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive on the road. Give us a call at 649-343-7181, or come see us at the Industrial Park on Providenciales.