What Are Some Signs That May Indicate a Problem With Your Brake System?

A car's brakes are essential to its operation and your safety. Knowing what signs indicate brake trouble early on can save you hundreds of dollars, and may even save the lives of you and your loved ones. There are several telltale signs that a car may be having brake trouble. This article will help you identify some of them.

Squeaky Brakes

When your brakes start to emit a high-pitched whining or grinding sound, it's likely that your car needs repairs. It could be something as simple as the brakes wearing down, or something much more serious. Which is why it's important to get it checked out by a technician or mechanic.

Pulling

If your car starts to pull to one side or another, this can indicate several problems, including a sticking caliper, worn disc hardware, a bad brake hose, misadjusted brakes or low tire pressure. Be sure to check your tires. If that's not the problem, it may be important to bring your car to a mechanic.

Shaking or Vibration

If your car's steering column or brake peddle or the car itself starts to shake, this can be a sign of unevenly worn brake rotors or drums, and signifies that they need to be changed.

Brake Light

Perhaps the most obvious indication of a brake problem is the brake light. If your brake light is on, take your car to a mechanic immediately. Your brake light could indicate that your brakes are vulnerable to failure.

Low Peddle

If your peddle nearly touches the floor before the brakes kick in, you could have a problem. This could indicate something as minor as needing a brake adjustment, or could mean that parts of your brake systems are failing.

Hard Peddle

A peddle that is difficult to push down may indicate damaged brake linings, power brake trouble or other problems.

ABS Light

If the anti-lock brakes light is on, it could mean anything from low brake fluid to a failing component, and thus can indicate a problem that is very minor or very serious, or anywhere in between. Luckily, the ABS light only governs your anti-lock braking system. Even if the ABS light is on, your brakes will still work.

Grab

If your brakes grab, even with light touches, this may indicate that something is loose in your brake system. It could also mean that you have something like grease or oil contamination in your brake lines.