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Your car brakes are an important function of your car. Problems with the braking
system on your vehicle are serious and waiting to bring it in when there is a problem
may just make the problem worse... You may, however, be able to narrow down some
of the possible problems yourself. Below are some general guidelines:
- Step off the brakes, with the car's engine turned off. A soft or mushy brake pedal
indicates that you may be low on brake fluid, or may need to bleed your brakes.
- If it is safe, drive the car at low speed, braking as needed. You may need new brake
pads, or to clean the brakes, if they squeal.
- In a clear area, step sharply on the brake pedal. If the brakes do not stop the
car effectively, several things may be wrong, including worn pads, contaminated
brake fluid or contaminated brake pads.
- If the brakes pull the car to one side, you may need to adjust the brake's clearance,
may have to replace the pads or rotors, or may have insufficient hydraulic pressure
in one part of the brake system.
- Begin driving forward slowly. If the brakes bind or drag, it may be due to grease
on the pads or scored rotors. Visit a mechanic if you do not know how to fix brakes.
Describe the car's performance to the mechanic in as much detail as you can. Check
brake fluid regularly. If you have determined that your brakes are bad, avoid driving
the car until they are fixed. Computerized brakes, which are standard in many cars,
need to be fixed by a mechanic.
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