Brakes are as necessary as a running engine is in a car. It is not until brakes start to wear out that you realize how important good brakes are. Like other parts of a car, they need replacement after some time, and they'll cause problems if they are not replaced. Here are certain ways to tell if you have a brake problem.

If Your Brakes Are Screeching

A sign that your car needs new brakes is if there is a screeching or scraping noise when you hit the brakes. This is usually an audible warning sign that your brakes are no longer working at an optimal level. The brakes squeak because the pad is wearing out and needs replacing.

Brakes also squeal if there is some rust or grim between the pad and rotors. The difference between brakes that are rusty or dirty and brakes that wearing out is that rusty or dirty brakes will stop squeaking after the dirt and rust disappear through use. Brakes that are wearing out and need replacement will squeal for a much longer time.

If Your Brake Pads Are Thin

A visual sign your brakes need replacement is if the brake pad is thin. The brake pad is what presses against the rotors to stop the car. To see if they are thin, look through the tire's spokes at the pad, located between the rotor and calipers. If the pad is less than a quarter of an inch, you most likely need to replace them.

If Your Brakes have a Delayed Response

If you are braking, but the car is not slowing down, it means something is not functioning properly due to an issue, such as a leak or fluid problem. A brake pedal that depresses into the floor could be a telling sign that there is a problem with the brake fluid. Your car may need new brake fluid, or the brake system may have a leak somewhere.

If Your Brakes Are Pulling

Another sign that there is an issue with your brakes is if the car veers one way on its own accord when you apply the brake. This is referred to as "pulling."

Your car could be pulling for a number of reasons. They include:

• One of the calipers is jammed
• The brake hose is collapsed
• The brake pads are uneven
• The brakes are unaligned

If your car is pulling, have a mechanic inspect the brakes to see if they need to be repaired, realigned, or replaced.

If Your Brakes Are Vibrating

A brake pedal will vibrate if the rotors are warped. This feeling is similar to when the brake pedal shakes when the ABS kicks in during a last minute stop. However, there is a problem when the brakes shake in a normal stop and not an abrupt one.

Rotors become warped because of strong friction from long periods of breaking. The surface of the rotor wears unevenly, causing the brake pad to apply unevenly. This creates a vibration in the brake pedal, altering the driver that there is a potential brake problem.

If Your Brakes Give a Warning Light

Cars usually have two different brake lights. One light is for the anti-lock braking system (ABS), and the other is for the car's main brake system. Your car should be check if either of these lights come, particularly if it is the main brake system.

If Your Brakes Smell like Burning Rubber

Brakes that smell like they are burning mean they are overheating. Friction is created when the pad presses against the rotor, and overheating brakes indicate they are not working properly. Burning brakes are not as responsive as normal brakes. Bring your car to a mechanic if you smell burning brakes.

For any brake concerns, visit us at Midland Muffler And Brake.