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You might love the idea of long drives with beats echoing loudly or you might be a fan of drifting. Maybe you love SUVs or maybe you’re more appreciative of sedans. The real question is, how safe are you as a driver and safety here is not limited to your driving style. 

Here, when we talk about safety, it is also a measure of how early you can pick up signs of trouble with the car. It only makes you a safer and more sorted driver, isn’t it? Having said that, it is highly important for you to know the signs that imply your car’s brakes need repair. In this blog, we shed light on 5 common signs that hint at issues with the brake. Needless to say, brake repair signs or warnings, if neglected, can be quite regretful. Unfit brakes not only put your safety at risk but also others’ and hence, the signs must not be ignored. So, let us get started without further delay.

Signs That Your Car's Brakes Need Repair 

Grinding Sounds of the Brakes 

Do you often hear a grinding sound when you apply your car’s brakes? This could be a clear indication of the fact that your brake pads have sustained wear and tear. Now, the question is, what happens when brake pads are worn out?

Simply put, when brake pads take the brunt of wear and tear, they are not able to produce enough friction. This leads to a decrease in braking performance of your car, while the stopping distance of the car increases. Hence, it is not just the grinding voice for which you need to get your brake repaired, but there is more to it. 

So, now you know what to do when your car’s brakes make a grinding sound. Drive it straight to a workshop or a mechanic. 

The Brake Pedal Feels Soft

If the brake pedal starts feeling too soft or spongy abruptly, it might be an indication that your brake needs repair. This can be the case if there is air in the lines of the brake or it may also hint at a potential leakage of the brake fluid. 

When there is air in the brake lines, the hydraulic pressure dips and braking becomes quite inconsistent. Hence, if the brake pedal starts feeling spongy, it will be the perfect time to visit a car workshop.

Speaking of causes of air in the brake lines, it can be because of wear and tear or improper replacement of the brake fluid. 

Increased Stopping Distance 

If you have started to feel that your car is taking longer than usual to stop after braking, clearly, there is something wrong with the brakes. If the brakes are working fine, an unprecedented increase in stopping distance would not be the case. 

Increased stopping distances can be highly dangerous, not just for you but also for people around you on the road. It simply means either your brake pads are not generating sufficient friction because of wear and tear, or your tyres are worn out. Hence, either you need a brake repair job or a replacement of the tyres. 

Car Skidding Towards One Side When You Break 

Another critical sign of brakes needing repair is that your car tends to pull to one side when you brake. This could either mean that the brake caliper is stuck or that your brake pads are worn out in an uneven manner. This can also hint at damaged piston seals or rust. 

If this is not paid attention to, the massive heat so produced can damage the rotor and even lead to a complete failure of the brakes. 

Brake Warning Sign on the Dashboard 

If the brake warning sign on your dashboard is on, don’t think twice and drive to your nearest car workshop. It’s like the car is telling you on its own that it’s got a serious problem that can risk your safety. Don’t ignore it! 

Be glad for this warning feature in your car and get it fixed before it leads to any trouble for you or your loved ones who travel with you. 

A Few More Signs You Should Be Wary Of 

While we have already covered the major signs, let me quickly list a few more of them in the best interest of your car and safety. 

- There is a burning smell every time  you apply the brakes 
- Wobbling during braking 
- Squeaking noises 

To conclude, it is a well-known fact that brakes should be at their best for safe driving experiences. Knowing these early signs will certainly help you to keep your car’s braking performance in check. It is something that is going to need repair every now and then. The only catch here is to be able to identify the need for break repair in a timely manner and act accordingly.