How to Know If It’s Time for a Brake Check—Tips for Safer Driving in Orlando
- Garrett Wattles
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
You’re cruising down I-4 when traffic suddenly slows and your brakes don’t feel quite right. Maybe they squeal a little. Maybe they feel soft. Or maybe you just have that gut feeling something’s off.
In Orlando, where sudden downpours, theme park traffic, and unpredictable driving conditions are part of daily life, your brakes aren’t something to guess about. They’re your first line of defense on the road, and if they’re not performing the way they should, it’s time to get them checked.
At Ron Jon’s Automotive, we believe safer driving starts with knowing what to look (and listen) for. Here's how to know when it’s time for a brake inspection and what can happen if you ignore the signs.
1. Squeaking, Grinding, or Screeching Noises
Brake pads are designed to make noise when they’re wearing out it’s their built-in warning system. If you hear high-pitched squeals when braking, your pads may be getting thin.
Grinding? That could mean the pads are worn down completely, and metal is rubbing against metal. Not only is this dangerous, it can also cause significant rotor damage, leading to more expensive repairs down the line.
2. Your Car Pulls to One Side When Braking
This is a common issue in Central Florida, especially if one side of your brake system is wearing faster than the other. It could be a stuck caliper, uneven pad wear, or even a brake fluid issue. Either way, your car shouldn’t veer when stopping, that’s a red flag.
3. The Brake Pedal Feels Soft or Spongy
If you have to press your brake pedal all the way to the floor to stop, you may have air in your brake lines, low brake fluid, or worse a leak. A firm, responsive pedal is what you want. Anything else means your braking system isn’t operating at full strength.
4. You’re Feeling Vibrations While Braking
Vibration through the brake pedal (or steering wheel) often points to warped rotors. That’s usually caused by excessive heat or hard braking, something that happens frequently with stop-and-go Orlando traffic and summer heat. This kind of issue can impact both safety and stopping distance.
5. The ABS or Brake Light Is On
Dashboard lights are your car’s way of saying “pay attention.” If your brake warning light or ABS light is illuminated, don’t ignore it. Your anti-lock braking system may be compromised, or there could be an issue with fluid pressure. Modern systems include sensors that monitor brake performance, so when they go off, it's time to get checked by a professional. Brake system failures are one of the top causes of avoidable accidents.
6. It’s Been More Than 12 Months Since Your Last Check
Brakes wear gradually, which is why issues often sneak up. If it’s been over a year since your last brake inspection, or if you’ve put more than 12,000 miles on your car, it’s time for a routine checkup. Regular inspections can catch issues early, saving you money and keeping you safer on the road. At Ron Jon’s Automotive, we provide free brake checks and honest feedback, so you know exactly what you need, and nothing you don’t.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Your brakes won’t fail all at once, but they will send you signals. Catching problems early not only saves you money, it could prevent an accident. If you’re hearing something strange, feeling something different, or just unsure, it’s worth stopping by.
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