A car’s brakes are vital to the safety of you and your passengers. Due to the importance of your car’s brakes, regular maintenance is necessary. Many car owners may not be aware of when to have their car’s brakes checked, maintained, or changed. Here are some signs that your car may need its brakes inspected.

A squealing noise
It’s normal for your car to make noises. However, if you hear a high pitch squealing noise especially when you apply the brakes, it could be an indication that there is something wrong with your braking system. Your braking system has a component called the brake pads which are responsible for slowing down or stopping the motion of a vehicle by reducing the level of friction in the tires when they are applied. A squealing sound could mean that the brake pads are worn out resulting in its constant scraping against the rotor. It is best to make an appointment with your mechanic when you hear the sound to prevent further problems.

Reduced responsiveness of the brake
Your braking system is mainly responsible for slowing a running vehicle until it stops. It is important that the responsiveness of the braking system is accurate in order to avoid accidents. You will know that there is a problem with your brakes when they take time to respond. This problem could be caused by an air leak in the brake hose or a leak in the brake fluid. Either way, it is best to have your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic.

Car pulling to one side
Brake pads will generally last from 30,000-35,000 miles in urban use. It could reach up to 80,000 miles or more for places with light traffic. In most cases, brake pads won’t wear out on the exact same sides. Some brake pads wear out faster on one side than the other. When this happens, you will feel your vehicle leaning or pulling to one side whenever you apply the brakes. Don’t risk having this stressful and dangerous driving experience, have a mechanic replace your brake pads as soon as possible.

Vibrating brake pedal
One common sign that your car needs a new brake is a shaking or vibrating brake pedal. Sometimes the vibration may mean that your vehicle is misaligned, but if you notice the vibration every time you apply your brakes, it is likely a sign of warped rotors. The problem is caused by severe braking applications for a long period of time. This can heat up the rotors resulting in warping.

Grinding sound
Another sound that you may hear when your brakes are having problems is a metallic grinding sound. This sound is very easily noticeable because it is loud and annoying, alerting you that your braking pads are worn down. It is important to have your brake pads replaced right away or else the sound will worsen, giving you a frustrating and noisy driving experience.