5 Brake System Issues That are Common in Used Cars
Have you been hearing strange squeaky sound from your car, while applying the brakes? Or notice a puddle of oil beneath your car every morning? It is likely that your car’s braking system in not functioning properly. Malfunctioning brake system is a common problem in used cars, especially the ones that have travelled extra miles. It goes without saying how important the braking system of your car is. Whether you just bought a used car from a car auction online or an online repo car auction, make sure its brakes are working fine. To help you examine the brakes of your used cars, here are five common brake system issues.
Worn out Brake Pads Worn out brake pads can increase the braking distance and cause metal surface to grind against the rotor surface. Brake pads also develop cracks due to overheating. These cracks make the pads squeal on stopping. If you keep hearing such squealing noise whenever you press the brakes, you might have to replace the brake pads.
Warped Rotors Rotors undergo extreme stress, more so if the vehicle has been used for off-roading or towing. Often the cold water from the sprinkler system next to your car can damage a rotor over time. Warped rotors cause the steering wheel and the car to wobble when applying the brakes. They may even increase the stopping distance or make the anti lock brakes engage before they should.
Leaks If the brake pedal goes too deep, the loss of brake fluid might be the reason. A leakage in the brake line results in the loss of brake fluid, which in turn causes the entire brake system to fail. A puddle of brake fluid on the garage floor or a low brake pedal point towards the leakage problem.
Brake Fade Brake fading is another reason which makes the vehicle to take longer than usual to stop. If the vehicle has been driven, too often, on a rough terrain, the brakes can heat up and make pads and rotors take longer to respond. When the brakes cool down they start to function normally. But after years of use, brakes fading becomes a permanent problem. Brake fade should be attended to, or it can cause irreparable damage to the rotors and pads.
Malfunctioning Brake Hoses Malfunctioning brake hoses can result in uneven calipers’ movement. This can make the vehicle drift to one side when brakes are applied. A faulty hose delays the releasing of fluid pressure on time. Such problems require diligent vehicle inspection and repairs.
Conclusion Brakes are probably the most used parts of your car after the steering wheel. As functional brakes are important to ensure drivers as well as passenger’s safety on road, it is important to get your car’s braking system checked on regular basis. If you are looking to buy a car at an online repo car auction, make sure that you or your trusted mechanic examines its braking system thoroughly, before putting down your money.