These 5 Warning Signs Mean You NEED to Get Your Brakes Checked

While no one likes to think about it, eventually our cars require maintenance. That includes things like regular oil changes and maintaining your car’s brakes. Your brakes are one of the most important things to pay attention to, and here are some signs they need to be serviced.

Your dashboard:

The warning light on your dashboard is one of the first signs that your brakes are in need of repair. First, make sure you didn’t leave your parking brake on. If the light stays on, get your brakes checked as soon as possible.

Vibration:

If you feel a vibration when you press down on your brake pedal, you should have your car checked out. It’s usually caused by a common problem, such as a warped rotor, which can be caused by rust or a slight variation in rotor thickness. Luckily this is a standard fix at most auto repair shops.

Unusual noises:

One common sign that your brakes need to be replaced is a squealing noise when you put pressure on the brake pedal. Squealing noises usually indicate a worn-down brake pad.

Soft brake pedal:

Typically your brake pedal feels firm when you press on it. However, if your pedal feels “soft”—if it sinks to the floor easily—you need to get this checked out as soon as possible. This could signal a more serious problem with your brakes.

Pulling to the side when braking:

If your car is drifting to the side when you brake, it may not indicate a serious problem—yet. However, this can indicate uneven tire pressure, worn out brake pads, or rotor or caliper problems. Unusual behavior warrants a check-up for your brakes, especially signs like these. This is one case in which you’re certainly better safe than sorry.