Although all the auto parts your vehicle comprises are essential to its performance, not many are critical to your safety, and that of other road users as your brakes are. Without a properly functioning brake system, you will have limited control of your vehicle, and this is inevitably a recipe for disaster. Surprisingly, though, some motorists are unaware of how to detect that their brakes are on the decline. Thus, by the time they realise that the efficiency of this system is compromised, the brakes are well past repair and most likely need replacement. This article is a guide on how to spot crucial red flags that will serve as a warning sign of looming brake repairs.

Screeching

When in excellent condition, your brakes should operate inaudibly. The moment you begin to hear the onset of screeching or squealing noises whenever you apply pressers to your brakes, it is their way of letting you now that the pads are reaching the end of their lifespan. Brake manufacturers incorporate a mechanism that is solely designed to emit shrill noises once the brake pads have started to deteriorate. Therefore, it is never advisable to ignore these squealing noises once their start as they typically act as the first warning signs of imminent failure. Luckily, when addressed immediately, this type of repair is easy and cost-efficient.

Vibrations

Applying pressure to your brakes should result in slowing down your vehicle or bringing it to a complete halt without other parts of your vehicle becoming affected in the process. If you notice that any time you utilise your brakes, it is followed by abnormal shaking or vibrations from your car, then you should be concerned about compromised brakes. Spontaneous vibrations when your braking system is in operation indicate a likelihood that your rotors have become severely warped. The rotors are components of the steering wheel that are connected to the brake pads, and they facilitate the slowing down of your car. Hence, when the rotors have become damaged, they subsequently will have an adverse effect on the efficiency of your brakes too.

Sponginess

Brakes that are at peak performance will always give off a degree of resistance when you apply pressure on the pedal. This resistance is what shows you that the braking system is responding to your command. Over time, the pressure of the pushback may reduce, but it should never feel wholly diminished underfoot. Brakes that have little or no resistance can mean various problems such as insufficient brake fluid, faulty brake lines or worn out pads. All these are serious issues that should have you rushing to your local mechanic.