12 Tips to Protect Your Car from Hail Damage 

You hear the weather report call for hail—and not just any old hail, either. We’re talking about monster, “golf ball-sized” hail that takes no prisoner. It’s the type of hailstorm that you wouldn’t wish upon your own worst enemy… yet your car is sitting in the driveway, uncovered, with only thoughts and prayers to keep it safeguarded from hailstones.

Wondering what you can do or use to keep your vehicle safe in a hailstorm? Here’s how to protect your car from hail and prevent excessive vehicle repair costs.

Is your vehicle in the driveway because you’ve had to forgo cleaning your garage due to work/school/pottery classes/baptisms/choir practice/whatever other responsibility or hobby you have? Instead of getting your hands dirty, you can choose to downsize to a smaller vehicle.

1) Go Small

Is your vehicle in the driveway because you’ve had to forgo cleaning your garage due to work/school/pottery classes/baptisms/choir practice/whatever other responsibility or hobby you have? Instead of getting your hands dirty, you can choose to downsize to a smaller vehicle.

Even the best deterrents and preventative measures may not be enough to protect your car from hail. If your vehicle’s become the victim of a hail-and-run in the Kansas City area, be sure to have it towed to a professional collision center or auto body shop near you that works with your insurance company. Contact McCarthy Collision Centers at 1-800-NEW-AGAIN, and we’ll do what we do best: Get you back on the road.

2) Always have adequate insurance coverage

Does car insurance cover hail damage? If you have opted for full comprehensive auto insurance, you should be covered. However, if you only have an auto liability policy, repairing dents or windshield damage from hail will likely come out of your pocket. Be sure to speak with your insurance agent prior to spring if you’d like to be financially protected from hail.

3) Don’t use rocks as weights

Instead of folding blankets into car doors and windows, people will sometimes use “heavy” rocks to keep blankets in place. This is a terrible idea. The blankets can easily grab wind and lift the rocks up; as you’d guess, that would leave your vehicle unprotected from both hail and the flying rocks.

4) Know where the closest indoor parking garage is

If you simply can’t hail-roof your car—whether that’s due to lack of time, resources or a general sense of post-2020 apathy—you should pay the small fee to park your car in a nearby parking garage or covered lot. The $5 or $10 fee is far less than the costs of paintless dent repair or hail dent removal.

5) Put plywood on your roof rack

If you own an SUV with a roof rack or crossbars, you can buy a cheap, 6-foot-long plywood board and attach it to the top. This will offer a little protection from hail dents on your roof, hood, and windshields, but you’re open to smashed windows and mirrors, as well as dents along the car’s side.

Note: It’s important to secure the plywood properly! Windy conditions will put lots of stress on flat objects like plywood, and if not adequately secured, it may cause more damage than the hail itself. It can also break apart and fly into other objects, vehicles, or homes.

6) Park under a tree

In storms, it’s not advisable to park under or near trees, as limbs can easily snap and fall onto your car, causing a significant amount of damage. However, if the upcoming hailstorm isn’t going to be accompanied by high winds and lightning, trees can offer a moderate amount of protection from hailstones.

Note: Hailstorms are usually accompanied by wind and potential lightning. Park under trees at your own risk.

7) Fold your side mirrors in

Hail can easily crack side-view mirrors, as they’re quite thin and flimsy. Folding them in will help to protect the reflective part, though the mirror’s casing will be at the mercy of Mother Nature.

8) Towels are an option

Use the same tactic as the blanket and fold all towels into the car securely. You may need to get creative here, as you’ll obviously have many more towels to secure down.

9) Cardboard boxes work

The rule of using cardboard as a hail protector is simple: Make sure the cardboard is thick and sturdy. With hail, you’ll likely get rain, and thin, cheap cardboard will absolutely disintegrate when it gets wet. A thicker panel of cardboard, like that of a corrugated appliance box, offers better survivability in hailstorms.

To support the cardboard on your car, consider attaching strings or bungee cords to door handles (pull them over the roof to attach each side).

10) Use floor mats or rugs on windows

If you don’t have enough (or large enough) blankets, you can mitigate some of the more major hail damage by using your car’s floor mats as a hail windshield cover. Put the softer, carpeted side on the window, and the hard rubberized side facing up. Hail hates rubber (so we heard).

11) Try a “hail blanket”

Purchasing a hail cover for your vehicle is an investment. On the cheap, you can try substituting that cover with a thick blanket. To ensure you have adequate vehicle coverage from hail, be sure to tuck the blanket ends into the door, under the hood, inside the trunk lid, and even in the windows. Close them tightly, ensuring you have access to door handles to reenter your vehicle once the storm passes.

Note: Do not duct tape blankets to your car! Some other “how to protect your car from hail” articles may suggest this, but it’s not good advice. The adhesive on duct tape can certainly peel away car paint, and the tape itself will be difficult to remove once the hail stops. Use the tactics above to get the best protection from hail with a blanket.

12) Buy a hail car cover

Do car covers protect against hail? You betcha. If you don’t have a place to shelter your vehicle, like a garage or even a covered parking spot (that you paid an arm and a leg for), a hail protection car cover may prevent shattered windshields and hail dents on your vehicle. Or, at a minimum, you’ll only be looking at minor hail damage to your vehicle.

You have several options for hail covers, including expensive products like this inflatable car cover for hail, the Hail Protector System ($400), as well as cheaper protectors like this multi-layer cover ($70).

We recommend OEM car covers that are designed to fit snugly around your specific model.

TIPS

7 Common Car Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Your car is one of the most–if not the most–expensive possession that you have. As such, it is important to take proper care of it, in order to help it to have the longest life possible. Car maintenance can often sound confusing to those who do not know a lot about cars, and it can be a real pain to pay out all of the money that many things cost. However, neglecting proper maintenance, or carrying out the wrong kind of maintenance can actually end up costing you far more in the long run, and even shorten the life of your vehicle. Here are some of the most common, and most costly, car maintenance mistakes to avoid.

1. NOT CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE

Tire pressure is not just about avoiding flat tires–although that should be reason enough to check regularly–it is also about fuel economy. If your tires are under-inflated, it could be causing your car to eat far more gas than it should. Check every few months with a fuel gauge, and make sure that your tires are what they should be according to your owner’s manual. Another common problem is neglecting other tire maintenance, such as regular tire rotation–something that will make them last longer.

2. NEGLECTING OIL CHANGES

It is true that with newer cars there is less of a need for oil changes. But while they may not require an oil change every 3,000 miles, they do still need regular oil changes. If you have a newer car, and do not have an oil light, don’t leave it longer than every 8,000-10,000 miles before you have an oil change. Bad oil will damage your engine.

3. FAILING TO INSPECT/CHANGE BRAKES

Getting your brake pads changed can be expensive, but if you leave it too long, your brakes can wear down completely, and start to work away at the rotators, which will cost you much more money. When you first start to hear that tell-tale squeaking noise, make sure that you get your brakes checked out–often mechanics will check for free.

4. NOT KNOWING THE BASICS

A knowledge of basic car maintenance can really help you out of a tight spot. Many unnecessary problems are borne out of simple things such as not knowing how to correctly jumpstart a car or change a flat tire. To save yourself a little money and a lot of hassle, study up on the basics of car maintenance.

5. OLD WIPERS

Windshield wipers are an incredibly cheap and easy thing to replace, and yet plenty of people are still driving in adverse weather conditions, unable to see properly as a result of having old ones. Look for streaks on the windshield and cracks in the blades, and if in doubt, change them every six months or so. It is also worth splashing out on the better quality wiper blades.

6. OLD AIR FILTERS

Air and fuel filters are also inexpensive to replace, but failing to do so can cause you big problems. It is something that you can do yourself, but often mechanics will throw it in with another repair at no extra cost.

7. IGNORING FLUID CHECKS

Just as you need to change your oil regularly, other fluids are equally important in making sure that your engine runs smoothly. Coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and more are all essential, and costly if you ignore them.

(defensivedriving.com)

TIPS

10 Ways To Keep Your Parked Car Cool When It’s Hot

The heat of summer can make this otherwise beautiful season downright unpleasant. For drivers who don’t enjoy intense heat, getting into a car that has been parked in hot weather can feel like being roasted alive. Stay cool and get more out of your summer by using these tips to keep your car cooler when parked.

1. Use a sunshade or window visor. This tried-and-true method of keeping your car cool should be your go-to option to counteract hot interior temps throughout the summer. Put up a sunshade or window visor every time you exit your car for more than a few minutes. Keep it even cooler for long periods by putting a sunshade in your rear window as well.

2. Use a dash cover. A fabric or upholstered dash cover can go a long way towards making your car’s interior more comfortable. You won’t feel as overwhelmed by the heat if you don’t have to touch hot vinyl surfaces. Dash covers also protect sensitive vinyl from sun damage that can cause cracking and fading.

3. Cover your steering wheel with a hand towel. Even if you use a sunshade, it’s a good idea to cover your steering wheel with a small towel. This will help to keep the contact temperature of your steering wheel down.

4. Park in a shady area. Whenever possible, park in a shady area. If you’re going to be somewhere for an extended period of time, it’s worth it to walk a bit farther in order to park in the shade. You’ll be happy to enter a not-so-hot car when you return from your day out.

5. Keep your precious possessions out of the sun. Any tapes, CDs or delicate items that you keep in your car should be stored out of the path of direct sunlight. Try storing your tape and CD cases underneath the seat. You can also throw a blanket over your precious possessions. If you can’t find a place in your car that will conceal heat-sensitive goods, consider placing them in the trunk.

6. Park in a garage when possible. Whenever possible, park in a garage. Your car will be out of direct sunlight and will have the benefit of near-constant shade. Even a warm garage beats being parked in the sun all day.

7. Keep windows slightly cracked. While it’s not a good idea to leave your windows all the way open, it is a good idea to leave them slightly cracked. Check to be sure that you can’t fit your arm through the crack in your window. Even a small crack will promote ventilation and help to keep your car cool.

8. Purchase a solar-powered fan. Paired with cracked windows, a solar-powered fan can make your car feel downright pleasant during even the hottest summer days. These simple fans work  to expel hot air from your car. By creating constant air circulation, they lower your car’s overall temperature.

9. Throw blankets over your seats. If your car features vinyl or leather seats, you know just how hot these materials can become when exposed to sunlight and high temperatures. To keep car seats cool, throw blankets over them. When you return to the car, you can place the blankets on the floorboards or toss them in the trunk. Keeping your seats cool will make your car more pleasant on hot summer days.

10. Leave your doors open before getting in. Before jumping into your hot car, leave the doors open for a few minutes. This will help the hot air exit and the cool air enter.

(cbsnews.com)

TIPS

Here’s How Many Miles You Can Drive After the Gas Light Comes On

Driving with the gas light on can be dangerous—for you and your vehicle. Here’s how many miles you can actually drive on empty.

We’ve all driven a bit too long after the gas light comes on, overestimating our gas mileage and pushing our tank to the limit. Whether you were trying to beat rush hour or save money on gas by waiting to fill up, it can be a panic-filled moment looking for the nearest gas station. But just how many miles can you safely drive after the gas light comes on? The exact number will depend on several factors, including the make and model of your car, your driving habits, regular gas mileage and whether you drive a fuel-efficient car, says Kyle MacDonald, vice president of marketing at Force by Mojio, a GPS fleet tracking app for small businesses. You’re not going to get as far, for instance, in a sports car driven aggressively than you will in a compact car driven carefully.

But here’s the good news: You have more wiggle room than you think. While knowing how to find cheap gas, utilizing the best gas apps and best gas credit cards, and understanding how to get better gas mileage can help you avoid running on empty, you can still learn a thing or two about driving with your gas light on and preventing any damage to your engine. Here’s how many miles you should be driving with the gas light on.

How far can you drive after the gas light comes on?

There’s not a standard number of miles you can drive when the gas light comes on, says automotive electrician and road safety expert Robert Muñoz. “Typically, it will light up when the tank is below 10% to 15% of its capacity.” In general, after the gas light comes on, Muñoz says it’s safe to drive about 20 to 30 miles in a smaller vehicle or up to 50 miles in a larger vehicle.

Does a car’s make or model affect how many miles you can drive after the gas light comes on?

Yes, the type of car you have makes a big difference. A car with a 10-gallon gas tank might have one gallon remaining when the light comes on. A Ram 1500 truck, however, will have around three to four gallons of gas left. Consider each car’s mpg: If a small city car with a 10-gallon gas tank gets about 40 mpg, it could probably make it 40 miles to the next gas station. Meanwhile, a Ram 1500, which gets around 30 mpg on the highway, could make it as far as 100 miles after the gas light comes on. Typically, when the gas light goes on, about two to four gallons are left in the tank.

(www.rd.com)

TIPS

Five Tips for Keeping Your Memorial Day Travel Fun and Safe

For anyone who will be traveling this busy holiday weekend, safety should be the number one priority. From driving safely to choosing the most effective and safest routes, drivers should plan ahead. Here are a few tips to keep your holiday weekend safe and fun.

Be Prepared for a Safe Drive

Prevent a breakdown by making sure your car is in top working order. Check your tire pressure and fill your tank before you head out on the highway.

Watch Out for the Other Driver

Defensive driving is all about situational awareness. Pay attention to everything on the road. If you see another driver make a mistake, be ready to get out of the way and prevent an accident.

Choose a Safer Road

Toll Roads are among the safest roads in America. Toll authorities know their customers expect a higher maintenance standard and tolls give them the funds to deliver on that promise. Toll Roads have safety cameras and teams that constantly monitor the roadway to respond quickly to an accident.

Choose the More Direct, Less Congested Route

Today’s electronic toll collection systems allow you to pay for your ride without slowing down or waiting in line. With All Electronic Toll collection (AET), stopping at a toll booth is a thing of the past – it’s now go, go, go.

Know the Upcoming Weather Forecast

With so much severe weather developing across the country, know the expected weather in the locations you are traveling this holiday weekend so you can be better prepared for the best and safest routes.

TIPS

What to Do When Your Vehicle Breaks Down

If your vehicle breaks down, the following tips can help get you through this event safely:

    • Turn on your hazard lights.

 

    • Stay calm — it can be frustrating and scary when your vehicle breaks down — take a few moments to gather your composure.

 

    • Pull over to the side of the road, if possible.

 

    • If you are unable to exit a highway, pull over to the right side of the road. Move your vehicle as far away from oncoming traffic as possible.

 

    • Shut off your vehicle.

 

    • Exit the car on the non-traffic side and raise the hood to alert other drivers that your vehicle is inoperable.

 

    • Stand away from the car when calling roadside assistance. Do not stand in front of your vehicle — if your car is sideswiped, it could move forward and cause injury.

 

    • If you have a roadside emergency kit, carefully place flares or reflective triangles in safe locations around your car to alert oncoming vehicles — do not place them too close to your vehicle or flammable debris.

 

    • If you do not have a cell phone, and it is safe, walk to a nearby public place for help while keeping your eye on traffic and remaining alert. Do not cross a freeway or highway.

 

  • Do not try to repair your vehicle on the side of the road even if you have flares or reflective warning devices.
TIPS

How to Check Tire Pressure With a Tire Pressure Gauge

Maintaining proper tire inflation is relatively simple and essential to the overall tire performance of your vehicle. A properly inflated tire will provide longer life, quicker steering response, better fuel efficiency and a smoother ride than an improperly inflated tire. Both underinflation and overinflation can cause headaches like premature treadwear and possible tire failure. The best way to ensure you’re getting the most out of your tires is to check your tire pressure on a monthly basis.

Knowing how to use a tire pressure gauge is very simple. Here’s how to check tire pressure and refill your tires.

Items You Need When Checking Tire Pressure

Tire pressure gauge

Air compressor

Pen and paper

Your tire pressure gauge can be digital or standard. Auto parts stores typically carry both. Many auto parts stores sell portable air compressors that run from your car battery or 12v power port. Alternatively, you can use the air compressor found at most gas stations. They usually cost $0.50 or $1.00 to use.

HOW TO CHECK TIRE PRESURE

1. START WITH COLD TIRES IF POSSIBLE

Vehicle manufacturers specify PSI – literally “pounds per square inch” of pressure – assuming tires are cold. Tires are considered cold when the vehicle has been parked for three hours or more, or if the vehicle has been driven less than a mile (1.6 km) at moderate speed. PSI is the unit your pressure gauge uses to provide readings.

2. CHECK THE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED PSI

Look on the driver’s side door jamb or your owner’s manual to find the recommended cold tire PSI for your front and rear tires.  If you cannot find it, you should consult your vehicle dealer, manufacturer, or a qualified tire professional.

3. WRITE DOWN THE PSI FOR EACH TIRE

If your front and rear tires require different pressure levels, write down the correct PSI for each to avoid getting confused as you move around your vehicle checking tire pressure.

4. CHECK TIRE PRESSURE WITH YOUR GAUGE

Remove the valve cap from one of your tires. Then place the pressure gauge on the valve stem and press down hard enough so the hiss sound disappears and your gauge provides a reading. With a standard gauge, the air pressure will push a small bar out from the bottom of the gauge. Measurement units are etched into the bar. A digital gauge will show you the reading on a screen.

Write down the reading and repeat this process for all four tires.

5. FILL TO THE RECOMMENDED PSI

Use an air compressor to refill any tires with low pressure. Many air compressors are different, so read directions carefully to be sure you’re using it correctly.

If you’re using the air compressor at a gas station, be sure to park so that the hose will reach all four tires. Insert change into the machine until you hear the motor running. Fill each tire by placing the end of the hose over the valve stem and pressing on the lever.

Using a gas station air compressor means your tires might be “hot.”  If it is necessary to adjust inflation pressure when tires are “hot”, set their pressure to 4 psi (14 kPa) above the recommended cold inflation pressure. Recheck the inflation pressure when the tires are cold.

After filling your tires, use the gauge to check pressure again. At this point, it’s ok if you overfilled the tires because you can always let some air back out. Never drive on overinflated tires. Overinflation can result in decreased traction, premature wear, and decreased impact absorption.

6. REPEAT: CHECK TIRE PRESSURE MONTHLY

Make the above procedure a monthly ritual. Regularly checking your tire pressure is the best way to ensure your tires never dip far below the optimal PSI.

 

TIPS

4 Facts you might not know about Bumper & Accent Colors

What if we told you that your bumper color is different from the body color? Or your trim pieces are different from the body color? You might think that sounds absurd, right? How is it possible for the bumper and trim to be a different color from the body color? Well we at Central Texas Collision Services are here to clarify this for you. See our 4 Facts you might not know about Bumper & Accent Colors listed below.

 

  1. Colors vary based on the substrate on which it is painted. For example, the bumper and trim can be plastic, but the body can be metal. Having these 2 different substrates, but using the same color paint can cause a slight variation due to the evaporation rate for the paint. A longer evaporation rate gives a spec pigment additional time to “float” and can darken the color. This can happen with both older and new cars.
  2. Depending on the angle and lighting available on the curved and flat surfaces, you may notice a slight color change.
  3. During the mixing process, adjustments made can create a lighter or darker color, or causing the metallic or mica elements to lay down differently.
  4. Another scenario can be that the body was painted at one factory, while other parts, such as the bumper and trim, were painted at another factory using a different paint method.

 

(bodyshopsaustintx)

TIPS

HOW TO CHECK BLIND SPOTS WHEN DRIVING

A blind spot is anywhere around your car where your mirror cannot pick up. Most of the time, students think that if they’re checking the mirror, there is no need for them to check the blind spot, and that’s where they go wrong. So, when you’re enrolled in a driving school some instructors will teach you how to check blind spots when driving so you to be safe when on the road.

The blind spot is very critical when you’re driving and when you’re taking your road test.

How to Check Blind Spots

Checking your blind spots involves looking in the mirror and then over your shoulder. It’s that easy. Also, check the view out the window, and ensure there are no obstructions on the road.

Do not turn all round while checking the blind spot. This is because you want your entire focus to be on the direction where your car is headed to.

It won’t be long until it becomes completely natural to include it in your everyday observation practice.

Moving Off

You should look in every direction before stepping off the road. You will learn how to do this maneuver in a clockwise direction as part of your driver’s education. However, you need to check out:

  • Over the left shoulder
  • Look in the left-wing mirror
  • The rearview mirror
  • Your right-wing mirror
  • Over the right shoulder

After an Emergency Halt

Before making a sudden stop, you won’t always have the opportunity to double-check your rearview mirror.

As a result, before you start driving again, you must ensure that your blind spots and mirrors are checked thoroughly.

Getting Back On the Road After Being Stuck In Traffic

Before going forward in traffic, you must double-check all three mirrors. In this situation, you don’t need to peek over your shoulder into your blind areas.

However, you should be aware of bicyclists or motorcyclists who could have come up beside you while you were stopped and pay attention to their presence.

At Junctions

When approaching intersections, the pillars on each side of your windscreen will obscure your view.

Therefore, you’ll need to:

  • Reduce your speed as you approach to do the necessary observational checks on time.
  • Tilt your head ever-so-slightly forward and look further ahead to see over your A-pillars and into the blind zones.
  • Make sure to look left and right at least twice since this will give any approaching cars enough time to enter your field of sight.

When in Motion

When you’re behind the wheel, it’s best to keep your head facing in front. If you turn your head too frequently, it might throw off your lane alignment.

Because of this, there are mirrors so you can maintain a general watch on what’s happening behind you with a fast glance.

However, a simple glance in the mirror isn’t always sufficient. When switching lanes or another vehicle is merging in your lane, you should check your blind spot by looking in your mirrors and over your shoulder in the direction that is relevant to the situation.

Note that:

  • Before you do anything else, look in your rearview mirror
  • Examine the mirror located on the relevant wing
  • Look over your shoulder

That should take up the whole region behind you, allowing you to switch lanes without preventing anyone from securely.

What are the Blind Spots While Driving?

Some areas your mirrors don’t quite reach, though they display most of what’s happening behind you.

Additionally, your vehicle can also obscure some portions of the road from view. These sections are the ones we call blind spots.

Every automobile has two primary blind spots, even though their dimensions change based on the automobile’s make, model, and size.

  • Diagonally behind you. You can see vehicles much further back in your rear or side mirrors, but if traffic moves up in a lane beside you, they are obscured from view.
  • Diagonally at the front. Your line of sight is obscured by your vehicle’s bodywork, namely the A-pillars on each side of your windshield.

When Is the Best Time to Check Blind Spots?

When you’re behind the wheel, you should constantly be aware of what’s happening around you. In most cases, you should be able to accomplish this by focusing on the roadway in front of you and often checking your mirrors.

Nevertheless, there are certain circumstances in which it is essential to swivel your head and check if there is anything in the areas you can’t see. These include:

  • Before moving. You must confirm that you will not be going off directly into another person’s path.
  • Before making a lane change. Motorists or cyclists may have drawn up beside you when you’re trying to pass another vehicle or get into the correct lane at an intersection.

It is not enough to stare in your mirrors and hope for the best while driving on multi-lane roads such as highways since other drivers may be changing lanes behind you.

  • When other cars are entering your lane from an adjacent one. Drivers who wish to pull out from slip roads or merge into your lane in any other way require a clear distance in which to do so.

You have to make sure that you are not preventing anyone from entering the lane that you are in. If that’s the case, you need to adjust your speed or switch lanes to account for the situation.

  • Making a turn into a secondary road. Before turning off a road, you should examine your blind spot, especially if you have just passed a bike. If you do not do this, and the cyclist is following you closely, you risk colliding with them as they continue in the same direction
  • At crossroads. Your A-pillars may be hiding traffic approaching from the left or right. Before turning, you must ensure that you have performed the necessary observational checks.

 

 

(https://pierrepauldriving.com/)

TIPS

6 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Brake Pads

As a car owner, paying attention to the sounds and signals your vehicle is giving you is essential.

The brakes are one of the most critical parts of your car’s safety system; if you neglect them, they can lead to costly repairs and even accidents.

When Should You Change Brake Pads And Rotors?

On average, brake pads should be replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, while rotors typically should be changed anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles.

However, the exact number can differ depending on driving conditions and styles.

The good news is, you’ll likely experience minor symptoms when your brake pads are getting towards their end of life, making diagnosis and repairs easy.

What are the signs that you need to change your Brake Pads and Rotors?

1. Squeaking or Squealing Coming From Brakes

If your brake pads are near the end of their useful life, the first symptom you’ll begin to notice is a squeaking or squealing noise coming from the brakes. Squealing brake pads are typically caused by excessively worn-down pads.

Once you’ve worn down your pads enough, you’ll start to experience a grinding noise, at which time you’ll also begin to damage your rotors, making the repair cost even more expensive.

2. Grinding Sound When Braking

As we stated above, if you’re experiencing a grinding noise while you’re applying pressure to the brake pedal, your brake pads need to be replaced ASAP. Some brake pads have built-in metal wear indicators, which are designed to make a loud noise and alert you that it’s time to replace the pads.

If you leave the brake pads to continue grinding, you’re opening yourself up to a lot more damage and higher repair costs.

3. Vibration When Braking

If you feel your car shaking when you press the brake pedal, it means that there’s something wrong with the brakes. It’s probably because the rotors that help stop the car are not smooth anymore, causing the brakes to work unevenly.

You should take your car to a professional to fix it.

4. Taking Longer To Stop

Another major sign that your brakes need to be checked out is loss of performance when applying the brakes. If you’re experiencing less than ideal-stoppage times while applying your brakes, it may mean your brake pads are worn down completely or that your brake fluid is low (oftentimes due to a leak).

For a true understanding of what’s going on with your brakes, you’ll want to get to a brake mechanic as soon as possible to ensure you keep all braking abilities.

5. Brake Pad Indicator Light Comes On

Most modern vehicles come with brake warning lights that appear on your dash. One is your Antilock Braking System (ABS) light, and the other is your brake system warning light.

Your brake light won’t always come on when there is an issue — it’s also the light that appears on your dash when your parking brake is engaged.

But if you’re seeing a brake warning light and your parking brake isn’t engaged, it’s time to have a brake expert look at your system to diagnose your issues.

6. Your Brake Pads Appear To Be Thin

One way to easily check on your brake pads is to inspect them visually for wear. To do this, look between the spokes of your wheels and locate your brake pad.

If it appears to be less than a ¼ inch or 6.4 mm thick, you’re probably due for a set of new brake pads.

TIPS