Your brakes are an essential safety feature in your car, so they need to be meticulously maintained. If they are kept in fantastic condition, you can safely stop in a reasonable distance, even in inclement weather or other less-than-desirable driving conditions. If you notice any of these warning signs, then it’s time to take your car in immediately for brake repairs by a professional.

What Are the Red Flags It’s Time for Brake Repairs?

1. Squealing

This is one of the most common warning signs. Your brake pads – which create the friction used to stop - are designed with small metal pieces buried under the pads. These are called indicators.

As usage wears the brake pads down and the indicators become exposed, the contact of the metal against your brake shoes makes a loud squeal when you apply the brakes. This means that it’s time to replace your pads.

2. Warning Light

Newer vehicles are equipped with a brake warning light. This light may have the word “BRAKE” on it or may have a circle with two curved lines on its left and right. A sensor monitors the brake pads, and once they reach a certain level of wear, the light is triggered in the dashboard.

It may also be activated if your brake fluid is low or leaking. It may also turn on if you try to drive with the parking brake engaged, so check these first.

3. Irregular Movement

When you apply the brakes, the car should slow down smoothly and evenly. If the car pulls to one side as you apply the brakes, so it feels that one side is slowing more efficiently than the other, it means that one brake is working better than the other. If the car or steering wheel shudders as you brake, it could mean that a part is loose.

Take your car into G & J Auto Center for trusted brake repairs in Columbia, MO. This auto repair shop has more than 20 years of experience handling all types of maintenance and repair needs, with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to quickly determine the source of your car’s problems. See their full list of services on their website and call (573) 474-5819 to schedule an appointment.