You may pay attention to the gas in your vehicle, and you may change your oil and rotate your tires, but do you pay attention to your brakes? Your brakes are just as important as every part of your vehicle and need to be cared for and inspected to ensure you don't run into any issues. If you have brake problems, they could cost you in injuries to yourself, anyone in your vehicle, or others around you if you wind up in an accident because of a brake failure. You need to pay attention to your brakes and watch for signs of issues. Read on for a few signs of brake problems in your vehicle.
Grinding Noises
Grinding noises occurring when you attempt to stop or whenever you apply the brakes could be the sign of not only a brake problem, but it could also be a sign of other problems such as your rotors wearing as well. If you are hearing this noise when you attempt to stop, it's something you need to have repaired right away before the damage becomes so bad that you have to have more than just your brakes and rotors repaired. Your entire vehicle may need an alignment, or you may need other repairs as well.
Inability to Stop
If you attempt to stop your vehicle and you are not able to stop it, or it takes a long time to stop, it's an issue you need to have looked into. You could have an issue with your brakes, and they may need to be replaced. Your brake pads may have so much wear on them that there may not be much pad left in which to help stop your vehicle. This can be a major problem if you are trying to stop quickly to avoid a collision or other type of accident from occurring.
Screeching Noises
In addition to grinding noises, you may also hear screeching noises when you attempt to stop your vehicle. If you hear these noises when you apply your brake, it is usually the first sign of a brake problem. You need to have your brakes inspected and then have new brake pads installed to prevent further issues, such as those listed above.
If you notice these brake issues, you need to have your vehicle's brake system inspected and your brakes replaced as needed. Don't drive with your brakes in need of repair, as you could end up in an accident and could seriously injure someone else or yourself. Get your vehicle into a professional brake inspection shop.