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My brakes feel like they are skipping. What’s the matter?
Yesterday on my way home from work I noticed my brakes were acting weird. It sort of feels like they’re “skipping”, almost, like my foot is held down with steady pressure, and the brakes get loose and then get firm again. I’m not driving the car until I get to a mechanic, but what can make brakes feel like they are skipping?
Matt Terzi · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
We’re really glad you noticed this issue before it became worse—these issues are definitely a big red flag that your car needs some brake work done.
While it’s difficult to diagnose the issue without inspecting the car (you definitely need to take it to a mechanic as soon as possible!) we can narrow the potential issues down for you here. It’s most likely an issue with your brake rotors.
Some of the possible culprits include the following, listed generally in order of severity:
- The rotors are wet, so the pads are having trouble contacting the surface
- The brake pads are worn out
- An ABS sensor needs replacing
- The rotors are rusty, dirty, or otherwise mucky
- The brake rotors are warped or pitted
New brake pads and rotors will cost around $200 to $600 per axle (you need to replace both sets of pads and rotors on a shared axle together, at the same time). Replacing an ABS sensor will usually set you back around $200 to $400 per wheel if you include a mechanic’s typical labor costs.
While you’re having your brakes serviced by the mechanic, consider downloading the
Jerry
app, answering a few questions, and looking at the best quotes pulled from over 50 of America’s top car insurance
providers.Checking out Jerry isn’t a great way to waste time, seeing as how you’ll be reviewing quotes in as little as 45 seconds. Jerry is a
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ranked #1 in user ratings. Millions of drivers have used Jerry to save an average of over $800 per year. Give it a try today!View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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