Warning signs that brakes are faltering

Metro

Special to The Enterprise

Automotive problems are often best left to professionals. Though seasoned car enthusiasts may be capable of diagnosing and fixing car troubles without the assistance of a trusted mechanic, most drivers are better off letting the pros address issues under the hood.

But drivers can still play a vital role in vehicle maintenance. Learning to recognize warning signs of various problems that can affect cars can prevent breakdowns and potentially costly repairs. And in certain instances, such as when the brake system is not working properly, knowing how to spot problems before they escalate into something larger can make drivers and their passengers safer and potentially prevent accidents.

Television shows and movies have lent credence to the notion that brake problems are marked by the sudden cessation of a vehicle’s ability to stop. Though that can happen, warning signs of fading brake systems tend to be more subtle.

■ Noises: Much like a knocking sound typically indicates a problem with a vehicle’s air-fuel ration mixture, certain noises also suggest there are problems with the brakes. The most noticeable such sign is a highpitched squeal that occurs when drivers apply the brakes. But grinding sounds and noises like scratching and scraping also warrant a visit to a brake specialist.

■ Increase in stopping distance: An increase in the distance a vehicle travels before it stops after the brakes are applied indicates that there’s an issue with the brakes. This issue may or may not require a brake replacement. In fact, it’s sometimes indicative that brake fluid levels are low, which can be remedied quickly and easily. However, an increase in stopping distance is significant enough that it should be brought to the attention of a brake specialist immediately.

■ Pulling upon stopping : Another warning sign of brake problems is when the vehicle noticeably pulls to one side as it comes to a stop. This indicates that one side of the brakes is malfunctioning while the other is working properly. Like other issues with brakes, this one requires immediate attention from an automotive professional.

Warning signs of fading brake systems tend to be subtle. Metro/Stock photo

Brake systems should be inspected during routine maintenance visits. But issues with brakes can arise even after such inspections, which underscores how important it is that drivers learn to recognize the warning signs of brake problems.

Today n Free document shred day for Yolo County residents and Umpqua Bank customers, hosted by the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office and Umpqua Bank. Event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until the truck is full), 203 Main St. in Woodland. No box limit, but contents should not include stiff metal, plastic bags, CDs, DVDs or other items that will jam the shredder. For more information, call 530-4062521.

Saturday n Rob Furrow, an assistant professor in wildlife, fish and conservation biology at UC Davis, will lead a Yolo Audubon field trip to Willowbank Ditch in South Davis. The focus of this field trip will be on migrating songbirds passing through Davis. n The Solano County Genealogical Society will host a virtual Speaker Series presentation — Nancy Calhoun will present “Shaking Out the Smiths: Researching a Common Surname” at 11 a.m. Guests are welcome to attend this free event. If interested, send an email to the society at scgs@scgsca.org no later than 4 p.m. May 5 and request an invitation. More information on events is on the society’s website at www.scgsca. org and Facebook page.

Early May is the heart of warbler and flycatcher migration. Some of the targets include Wilson’s, yellow and MacGillivray’s warblers, western woodpewee, western tanager and lazuli bunting. This trip will also entail learning the songs and calls of an array of songbirds as well as discussing their habitat and food sources. For information contact Furrow at robertfurrow@gmail.com.

Sunday n To help celebrate May is Bike Month, the city of Davis invites everyone to get on their bikes for the 13th annual Loopalooza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In partnership with Bike Davis, this beloved family-friendly tradition is a community bike ride event along the 12-mile Davis bike loop.

There will be 11 interactive stations along the loop Make this free event a special day for your family and friends by visiting local greenbelts, picnicking at the park and connecting with friends and neighbors.

Participants can start anywhere on the bike loop and ride in either direction. Access the event map at: https:// www.cityof davis.org/Loopalooza n Manfred Kusch, an emeritus professor at UC Davis, will lead a Yolo Audubon tour of his garden in Winters. Kusch attracts a wide variety of birds in the gardens around the house, especially hummingbirds and orioles. Space is limited for this trip. Contact John Hansen to reserve a spot at jjhindavis@ yahoo.com.

For information, contact city of Davis Safe Routes to School Coordinator Daniela Tavares at dtavares@cityofdavis.org.

Wednesday n Join Project Linus to make blankets for children in need. The next gathering is at the Davis Senior Center, 646 A St., from 1:30-3 p.m. For general information, drop-off location questions or fabric and yarn donations, contact Diane McGee at dmmyolo@ gmail.com.

RichaRd BelcheR/enteRpRise photos

Yolo Basin Foundation Volunteer Lindsay Flores, left, leads a pond study in the Yolo Demonstration WetlandsParticipants used nets to find and identify small fish and invertebrates, with an overall theme of understanding ecosystems and the food web. At right, a young guest touches the shell of a tortoise from the Northern California Herpetological Society.