Your brakes are arguably the most important part of your car. They keep you safe from road obstacles and prevent you from hurting others and their property. However, cars can tend to make noises and behave differently in certain terrain when in operation and you might not know the signs of brakes that need repair. Therefore, be sure to keep a lookout for any of these 5 warning signs and contact a professional mechanic for inspection right away:

Pulling

If your car is pulling to one side or the other when you press on the brake, this is a bad sign. It means that either your left or right brake is worn down more than the other. This doesn't just affect your ability to steer correctly in hazardous conditions, but could also mean the brake pads are so worn down that they are not effective

Clicking and Screeching

If you ever hear a screeching or clicking sound when applying the brakes, this is not just a normal thing for your vehicle. It is a sign that many things could be malfunctioning with your brakes. It could point to a rear or front axle being loose or even that you need to apply grease to your brake rotors.

Pedal Low to the Floor

If your pedal requires you to press it down almost all the way to the floor before it does anything to slow your car down, this means that your brakes are very dangerously worn down. Do not risk driving further in this situation. Call your car professional to inspect the brakes right away.

Grabbing

The opposite of low pedals is that of grabbing. This occurs when you press down and the brakes instantly grab your axle to abruptly stop or slow down the vehicle. This doesn't provide you additional protection just because your car is slowing down faster. It actually means that too much friction is being placed on important gears in your car and that you need to seek repairs.

Vibration

Some older vehicles may rattle a bit when you drive them. If your mechanic has told you that this is normal, then they may be referring to a different cause of the vibration. In either case, seek multiple opinions when vibrations occur to be sure it is not a sign of brakes that are about to give out on you and put you in danger.

Keep all of these warning signs in mind. If you suspect any of these signs mentioned above, get a professional inspection at a repair shop like Hudson Goodyear. It is well worth the investment in order to protect you, others, and the longevity of your vehicle.