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Brakes
Home » Car Maintenance » What's Wrong with My Car? » BrakesWhile your engine ensures that your car will keep moving, your brakes ensure that your car will stop moving. Thus, while engine maintenance is an operational concern, brake maintenance is a safety issue.
If your brake pedal goes all the way to the floor when you press it, you probably need to add brake fluid. If more brake fluid doesn't solve the problem, you may have a leak or excess air in your brake's hydraulic system, and you'll need a mechanic to repair that system.
On the other hand, if it is difficult to depress your brakes, brake fluid may solve the problem, but you may also need to replace the brake line or power brake booster. Of course, before you do any of that, just check and make sure your floor mat isn't folded beneath the brake pedal.
If your brakes barely seem to stop your car at all, you have a major safety hazard, so have them repaired immediately. You can try adding brake fluid, but you will likely need new brake pads or brake shoes.
New pads or shoes will also usually be the solution if you notice a squealing sound as you brake. The squealing may be annoying, but it's actually built into the car to get your attention when the brake pads and/or shoes are worn. Alternatively, however, your pads may just be covered with dirt or dust.
Finally, don't forget to read your owner's manual regarding your brake warning light. In most cars, the brake warning light can indicate two things. First, your parking brake may not be released. If your parking break does not release, however, you'll need to have a mechanic examine it and, perhaps, replace the parking brake cables. Second, you may have a safety issue with your brakes. Add brake fluid and see if the warning light goes away. If it does not, take your car to the mechanic immediately.
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