One of the most vital safety features of your vehicle is its braking system. Its primary job is to keep you and your passengers safe while keeping your car out of the body repair shop. It’s important you recognize the signs when they’re about to give up on you and how to react if they do.
There are number of reasons that brakes experience damage or failure. Low levels of brake fluid and worn out rotors and/or brake pads all contribute to the demise of your brakes. Infrequent or improper maintenance is dangerous and can result in serious consequences. If you haul a heavy trailer that lacks trailer brakes, realize that this may also contribute to accelerated wear and damage to your brakes by overheating them. Weather extremes, like corrosion from road salt, also play a role on the wear and tear of your vehicle’s brakes.
If every time you tap on the brakes you hear a high-pitched squeal noise, you need to visit a mechanic as soon as you can. Basically any scraping, grinding, or scratching sounds that you may hear coming from your brakes warrants a visit to the mechanic. If you find that your vehicle pulls hard to one side when you stop, this could be an indicator that one side of your brakes is functioning properly and the other is not. Shaking of the steering wheel, brakes that pulsate before functioning, or sink to the floorboard, are all red flags. Notice that you’re unable to stop quickly or that your stopping distance has increased? This could be also be a sign that your brakes need a checkup.
In the unfortunate event that your brakes do fail, follow a few steps in order to ensure you make it out of the situation safe and without harm to others. If your brakes fail as you’re driving, remain calm, stay focused and immediately take action. Turn on your hazard lights and honk your horn so you can warn other drivers. Remove your foot off the accelerator pedal so you’ll be able to slow down and try to maneuver your car to the shoulder or right lane. Downshift so the engine can help slow down the car. If your car comes equipped with anti-lock brakes, press down on the brake pedal firmly. If your vehicle does not come with this feature, pump the pedal instead. Once at a decreased speed, slowly and gradually engage the parking brake. Doing this with too much pressure or too quickly could cause your wheels to lock up.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
