A guide to determining whether a used car needs new brakes.

Used cars certainly need modifications and even replacing parts in the initial stages or even after months of purchase. Especially the car engine, pedal and brake performances are noted regularly after the purchase. It is essential to change parts that need to be changed as soon as any minor problem appears. Otherwise, it can lead to serious safety hazards. Car parts are best if changed after purchasing them from previous owners as the certain history of the car might remain unknown to you. So you can’t know for sure with just observing from the outside if the car has been neglected for years before or has been in an accident. So never risk buying a newly purchased old car without taking it for a test drive first and getting to know all weaknesses and signs of wear and tear.

Brake changes are so significant after buying a used car that it is the first requested advice from every mechanic and car expert. But what makes you sure your car needs an immediate brake change? Or maybe it was just a flux, or it needs checking? Let’s find out using this easy guide of five simple steps to check to be 100% sure:

Check for the brake’s wear and tear: A trick to checking your brake by your vision is to observe it through the spooks of your wheel, and as you notice, the outside pad attaches to a metal rotor, and if it is less than 1/4th inch of the place, it might need to be changed. Other than that, if the brake pad looks rusty or worn off, it still is the best option to get it checked.

Check for auditory troubles: Check for any unusual noises while using the brakes. Sharp screeching sounds are an obvious sign that your brakes need to be checked and changed. The sound might have resulted from rust on the metal rod, but it is best to be safe than suffer later. This screeching sound isn't the only obvious noise that alerts you of a wrong brake pedal. Loud grinding, metallic clicking, or growling sounds are cautionary sounds alarming you that it is time to get new brakes and have a mechanic fix or change the rotors.

‘Loose’ or flat case of brakes: If the brake falls unresponsive or lays close to the ground and the pedal is not springy or feels soft, then take this as an immediate sign for you to replace the brake as soon as possible and get the car to the mechanic to check for faults and leaks. It is simply hazardous not to change the brake immediately as soon as you notice.

An unevenness of the brake: While using the brake, it might seem like the pedal is leaning towards a particular direction or is gravitating and drifting in uneven motion when pushed down or so. Variable brake wear from age and use make the brake pad unalterable or reusable, so it needs to be immediately checked and changed.

Vibrations from the brake: Brakes pulsating and vibrating are signs of distress in the brake or the rotor. Worn brake pads and warped metal rotors and the impact of grave friction on other parts connecting the brakes to the car, and many other such issues in used cars are there that need to be checked and replaced. With neglect, even the slightest sound or issue can take violent turns if not tended to immediately.

There are many reasons why brakes become unusable over the years and with use and often with neglect. It is advisable to change brakes whenever these issues arise or go for car maintenance services once or twice a year, depending on how much you use the said car. It does not just stop with brakes, but at the very least, a basic car check of engines and parts of the car is an absolute must when it comes to used cars. It ensures whether you need to spend a lot on new brakes, new car parts and engine parts because otherwise, used cars without proper checkups and maintenance can lead to accidents and risks.

Visit ABE for maintenance of used premium cars. Pre-owned vehicles are sold and purchased by ABE experts.