The braking system is a critical part of the overall safety of your car. That is why it is so important to regularly inspect and service it when necessary. Keep an eye out on the top 7 signs of brake problems so that you can keep you and your loved ones safe:

1. Spongy Brake Pedals - Spongy or soft brake pedals are an indication that you have a brake fluid leak. In some cases, it means you have air or water in your brake lines.
 

2. Pulling Left or Right - If your vehicle pulls to one side of the road when you decelerate, it can be caused by sticky calipers, worn pads, low brake fluid or air in your brake lines on one side.
 

3. Grinding Sounds - Any unusual sounds that your brake makes signal a worn part. For example, brake pads have wear indicators that squeal when they’ve worn down to a certain point. If they sound like grinding, there might be no more pad material left.
 

4. Vibrations When Braking- When brake rotors get too hot, they are at risk of warping. As a result, you may feel uneven and shaky braking.
 

5. Long Braking Time - If it takes longer than normal to stop your car, it is a major sign of an issue with the brake system. If the vehicle lurches forward, it could be a suspension problem instead.
 

6. Brake Warning Light - The dashboard is a wonderful place for all information regarding your vehicle's systems, and it can signal you with the ABS light, a brake warning symbol and in some vehicles, even tell you when your brakes are worn.
 

7. Brake Pedal Goes To The Floor - If your brake pedal sinks to the floor slowly, it is an indication that the master cylinder seals are leaking or there is another leak in the system.

Brake problems should be taken care of as soon as you notice any of these symptoms, to maintain safe braking.

How Brake Systems Work