A car specialist has warned drivers to watch out for certain sounds before turning on your stereo. They could be a sign you need to take your vehicle to a garage immediately.
One Sure Insurance are warning drivers that squeaking or thumping car brakes must be checked at once. And their warning comes with the UK set for wet weather all week.
They say that certain sounds “could be a serious warning sign that something is damaged.” “Often drivers get straight into the car and put on their music, which means they don’t always hear noises from their brakes, which can sometimes be a warning sound for further investigation”, they warn.
The insurers added: “We are urging drivers to make checking their brakes a priority as we head into a week of wet weather with slippery roads where the stopping distance doubles. Any signs of squeaking, grinding or thumping could be signs of seriously worn-out brake pads that need fixing urgently.”
The experts explain that when you apply your brakes, you must be aware of any squeaking, grinding, or thumping noises. This is because these sounds could indicate worn-out brake pads.
This is where your disc brake is starting to be rubbed on by the metal frame the pad was previously attached to. This should be checked and replaced right away to avoid further damage.
Defective brakes carry a possible disqualification under The Road Traffic Act 1988 for Driving a Vehicle in a dangerous condition, three penalty points and up to £2,500 in fines for drivers being pulled over. They add: “There is a hefty penalty fine for drivers in the UK with faulty brakes. We also typically see that the longer drivers avoid fixing their brakes, the more damage they can cause to other parts, so we are urging people to check their brakes this week.”
If you are having your brakes inspected, it should be done by a professional – and regularly if possible, they warn. If your brakes feel less responsive or require more pressure to engage, it’s time to have them checked too.
The brakes may feel spongy when pressed, meaning they require a harder touch. They say this is a clear sign they need to be checked.