Modern cars have become an essential component of daily life for people across the world. We rely on our personal vehicles to get us to work, run errands, and travel to exciting new destinations. For the most part, cars are effectively designed to protect their occupants and other users of the road. 

However, cars require regular maintenance and repairs in order to function properly. If you get into a car accident caused by a lack of proper maintenance, you may be found legally liable for the collision. It’s therefore vital to ensure your vehicle is kept in road-safe condition at all times. In this article, we discuss some common warning signs that may indicate a problem with a motor vehicle’s brakes. 

1. Your Car’s Brake Light is On

The most obvious sign of a problem with your vehicle’s brakes is the presence of a lit warning light on your vehicle’s dashboard. Most vehicles have two warning lights related to the brakes. In most cases, the parking brake warning light will be red or yellow. The ABS light is generally orange or yellow. Warning lights may be lit individually or together. 

When you observe a brake warning light, your first step should be to check that the parking brake is disengaged. Once you’ve confirmed that the parking brake is not active, check that your vehicle’s tires aren’t skidding. If your problem is not due to skidding tires or the parking brake being applied while the vehicle is in motion, you should pull over as soon as safely possible and bring the vehicle to a complete stop before calling for assistance. 

2. You Hear Squeaking, Squealing, or Grinding Sounds 

In most cases, hearing a loud and unpleasant sound when applying your car’s brakes is a bad sign. You may notice a:

• Grinding sound: There are multiple scenarios that could cause your brakes to emit a grinding sound. In some cases, the problem may be relatively minor, such as some debris caught in a caliper. However, grinding sounds may herald a more serious issue, such as rust buildup or worn brake pads. Anytime you notice loud grinding sounds coming from your brakes, you should have the vehicle examined by an experienced mechanic. 
• Squeaking or squealing noise: Both the rear and front brakes should have a pad wear indicator, which alerts the car’s driver when the brake shoes or caliper pads need replacement. When it comes time for a replacement, you may hear a loud metallic squeal or screech when the brakes are applied. Although this can alert you to the need for an immediate trip to the mechanic, it may be wise to have your pads changed when the car gets a routine service. Doing so may prevent additional damage. 

3. Brake Fluid is Leaking

In order for your brakes to perform correctly, your vehicle must have a sufficient amount of brake fluid in the system. Brake fluid is used to create hydraulic pressure against the brake caliper, thus bringing your car safely to a stop. If your vehicle has little or no brake fluid, you may be unable to stop your car in time to avoid a serious collision. Regularly checking your brake fluid levels can alert you to any issues. You should inspect your brake fluid levels every three-to-four months, with more frequent inspections if you live somewhere with high humidity.

4. Your Car Vibrates When Braking

You should be alert to any vibrations of the steering wheel when you apply your car’s brakes. If you notice that your steering wheel noticeably shakes when you apply the brakes, it’s possible that your rotor’s thickness is uneven. Brake rotors are circular discs attached to each individual wheel. As you press down on the brake, the brake pads contact the rotors, thus stopping your wheels from spinning and slowing your vehicle down. 

It’s natural for your car’s rotors to wear down as they are used. In some cases, the surface of the rotors may become uneven. This is a problem that can worsen over time if not properly corrected during a professional brake servicing. A mechanic can smooth out the rotor’s face to keep you from feeling unwanted vibrations while braking. In some cases, the rotors may be too worn down to safely service and you will need to have them replaced. 

5. There is a Burning Smell

In many cases, detecting a burning smell while driving indicates that your car’s engine is overheating. However, a problem with your car’s brakes may result in a distinctive burning smell as well. If the brake fluid in your car’s cylinders and calipers reaches boiling point, the result may be a sharp, chemical smell. 

If you notice any type of burning smell while driving, you should find a safe place to stop your vehicle and get out of the path of other traffic. Your vehicle may not perform normally if your engine or brakes are overheating, which puts you and other motorists at risk of serious harm. 

Stay Safe by Keeping Your Brakes in Excellent Condition

Brakes are one of the most important components of your car. Without functioning brakes, a driver cannot control their vehicle’s speed or come to a safe stop. If you notice anything unusual with your car’s brake system, it’s essential to get your vehicle inspected by a trustworthy mechanic as soon as possible.

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