What's more dangerous than a car that won't start? A car that won't stop! Your brakes are not a car part to take lightly. If they do not function perfectly, you have a much greater chance of getting in an accident. And if you rear end someone stopped at a light or stop sign, "My brakes didn't let me stop in time" won't be an excuse the police officer loves. So, it's best not to wait until your brakes do fail you to seek repairs. Instead, keep an eye out for these signs that your brakes are in need of repair and head straight to your local auto shop for brake repair if you notice any of them.
Squealing
This is the most classic sign of brake damage. When you step on the brakes, even a little bit, the car makes a squealing noise. Even if this noise is not that loud, it's a sign that the brake pads are wearing thin. If you keep driving your car like this, it will take longer and longer to stop as the worn pads spin past your wheels rather than causing enough friction to stop them.
Vibrations
Vibrations in a car can mean many things, from loose components in the wheel housing to a failing engine. However, if the vibrations occur mostly when you apply the brakes, then the brakes are probably to blame for this symptom. Vibrations occur when the brakes are not worn evenly, and they may also be a sign that your brake rotors have warped. Both issues will get a lot worse if you don't address them quickly.
"Softness" In the Pedal
Your brake pedal should not have a lot of "give." In other words, you should only have to press down on it slightly in order to get a reaction, and it should feel very firm against your foot. If you have to push the pedal to the floor to get the car to stop, then this is a sign your brakes are pretty worn.
Pulling to One Side
When you press on the brake pedal, does your car veer off to one side? If this has been going on a while, you may be used to it -- and you may automatically compensate by holding the wheel. Try stopping once or twice, in a wide open place like a parking lot, without allowing yourself to pull the wheel one way or the other. If the car does not stop straight, then your brakes have worn unevenly and you need to have them serviced.
