Car crashes are more common thank you think. In 2021, there were 39,508 fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States in which 42,939 deaths occurred. This resulted in 12.9 deaths per 100,000 people. While factors contribute to road crashes, unsafe vehicles are one of the most common causes of road accidents, and this includes faulty car brake system.
If you suspect you were sold a car with a faulty brake system, you can file a claim under the California lemon law. This law protects consumers who have bought faulty cars. Of course, you will need to consult a California lemon law attorney to understand your legal options. They can help you guide every step of the way.
But how do you know if it’s a faulty car brake system?
Fortunately, there are a few warning signs of a dying brake system.
Let’s learn more about them.
Warning Light on Your Dash
The primary indicator of a faulty car brake system is that your brake service light is always on. Usually, the parking light will turn on when your parking brake is engaged. But if it is always on, you may have a faulty car brake system. The issue can be parking brake adjustment, worn brake pads, or hydraulics.
On the other hand, when your brake service warning light turns on after hitting the pedal, it could be due to hydraulic loss on one side of your car or low brake fluid in the master cylinder. In any case, it’s best to take your vehicle to the shop as soon as possible. A seasoned mechanic can tell you if you have a faulty car brake system or not and how you can fix it.
Increased Stopping Distance
Another warning sign of a potentially faulty car brake system is increased stopping distance when you apply the brakes. Sometimes, you may feel like your car isn’t responding quickly enough to stop it from moving. The primary reason behind this could be worn-out brake pads. However, it could also be due to a leak in your braking system. Either way, you need to get your car repaired as soon as possible.
High Pitched Bellowing Sound
Sometimes, when you try to apply brakes, you may hear a loud bellowing sound. It could indicate that your braking system is deteriorating. This sound doesn’t necessarily mean your brakes will immediately break down. But consider it a warning and have your braking system looked at. You don’t want to drive around with a faulty car brake system.
Lose Pedal
Low pedal pressure is also one of the leading causes of a faulty car brake system. In such cases, when you apply brakes, the pedal may seem completely loose. It might lose all its pressure suddenly and touch the floor without any input. This is a serious issue. You need to speak with an experienced mechanic right away.
Steering Wheel Vibrates When You Apply Brakes
Another sign of a faulty car brake system is your brake pedal and steering wheel vibrate when you try to slow down. Worn-out brake pads are often the reason behind this. But out-of-balance brake rotors and sticking brake calipers can also cause your steering wheel and brake pedals to vibrate.
The third reason could be the failing calipers. Whatever the reason may be, it is best to get your car serviced immediately. The last thing you want is brake failure while you are driving on a road full of speeding cars.
Brakes Overheating
In most cases, aggressive braking is the reason behind overheating brakes. But it could also indicate a faulty car brake system. Usually, you will smell something burning even when the engine temperature is normal. This means your brakes are most likely overheating. Overheating brakes can lose power and result in an accident. In other words, you will need to find a mechanic immediately.
Spongy Brakes
Spongy brakes mean you have to press your pedal almost to the ground. It generally means you are low on brake fluid. Another reason could be air in the brake fluid or very thin brake pads. In addition to this, a failing hydraulic system can also cause spongy brakes. You will need to fix this issue as early as possible.
Loud Grinding Sounds
If you think high pitched bellowing is bad, loud grinding sounds are the worst. When you start hearing a harsh grinding noise, it’s a sign of a faulty car brake system. It indicates that the brake pads are completely worn out. Normally, at this point, the interior metal of your brake pads is rubbing against the door.
In not time, the metal will start to melt because it keeps rubbing against the rotor. In short, this is a serious safety hazard that you need to address immediately. Take your car to the shop and get it repaired.
What If I Have a Faulty Car Brake System?
You may have a lemon law claim if your vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty and has a faulty car brake system. California lemon law provides legal protection to consumers who purchase or lease new or used vehicles with serious defects. It applies to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other motor-driven vehicles used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.
However, speak with an experienced California lemon law attorney to understand your legal options. Moreover, California lemon law is complex, and you have to follow specific requirements and procedures to pursue a claim. If you believe you have a potential claim, talk to an attorney as soon as possible.
Wrap Up
Your car needs to be road worthy before you get behind the wheel. And one of the first things you have to check is the brake system. A faulty car brake system can cause your car to lose control, go off the road or hit another vehicle. If you see any of these signs, your brake system may be failing. You need to get your car to a shop immediately. Furthermore, you can file a lemon law claim if you are eligible.
Author Bio: Brian K. Cline’s Lemon Law Legal Group provides premier legal services. Our California lemon law lawyers aggressively and ethically force vehicle manufacturers to buy back defective and dangerous vehicles. Our team includes experienced trial lawyers with over 40 years of combined trial experience.