Cars and trucks have a lot of moving parts that can make noise when you are driving it, but the brakes have some particular indications that should tell you there is a problem with them. If you are not familiar with these signs, you might not catch them right away. Here are some signs of brake wear or damage to watch and listen for in your car. 

Brake Dust

It is normal for a car to produce some brake dust as the brakes wear, but if you have large amounts of black, powdery break dust on the wheels of your vehicle, you may have premature wear on the pads or shoes. Brake dust can also gum up the moving parts in the brake caliper or drum, causing the brakes not to work properly. If you have a large amount of brake dust on the wheels of your car, have the brakes checked to make sure they are working correctly. 

Grinding Noises

Brakes that produce a grinding noise when they are applied need checking. Grinding is typically an indication that the friction material has worn off the brake pads or shoes and that the metal backing plate is making contact with the brake rotor or drum. The metal-on-metal contact will damage the rotor or drum badly and may necessitate replacing them. Let the technician know what you are hearing and when so that they know what to check and have the brakes thoroughly inspected as soon as you notice any sound that is different, especially if you hear this grinding noise. 

Pulsing Brake Petal

Another sign of trouble is a pulsing brake pedal when you apply the brakes. The pedal should be smooth, and there should be little-to-no feedback through the brake pedal when you apply it. If you feel a pulse in the pedal, it can indicate a warped brake rotor or a sticking brake caliper. Either condition needs to be fixed asap because if you let them go, they will cause further damage to the brakes and cost more to repair later on. 

Fading Brake Pedal

If the brake pedal has started to fade or travel a lot further before the brakes begin to grab, you may have air in the hydraulic system. Brakes work as a closed loop with brake fluid filling the entire system. The fluid compresses at a set rate, allowing the brakes to work correctly. If there is air in the lines, the air compresses differently and can cause issues when applying the brakes. Air in the lines is an indication of a leak in the brake lines and needs to repairing right away. 

If you notice any of these signs, then ask to have your brakes serviced by a technician like those at G P Automotive.