Brake repair is a significant component of vehicle maintenance. If you look after your brakes, they will look after you when you want them the most. Also with routine maintenance, your car’s brakes still need to be inspected and serviced by an expert if you notice some of the following brake problem warning signs. Based on  Vehicle Crash Causation Survey, brake failure is responsible for around 22% of all mishaps related to vehicle issues instead of driver fault. Although driving properly is half the battle, maintaining your car’s safety systems, beginning with your brakes, is critical.

Brake Light

While your brake caution light illuminates your display, it’s one of the most obvious signs that your brakes require attention.  Actuality, many newer cars feature two warning lights on the dashboard that can appear for numerous reasons. Your Antilock Braking System (ABS) or the brake system warning light are the two alternatives if your brake light is illuminated.

If your vehicle’s dashboard displays an ABS warning light, you should take it to a local dealer or repair shop because they have the necessary equipment. Your brake light does not always illuminate when there is a problem; it also illuminates when your parking brake is engaged. However, if your parking brake isn’t engaged and you’re seeing a brake warning light, it’s time to have a break specialist inspect your system and evaluate your problems.

Braking Wobbling or Vibration

Your rotor thickness may be uneven if your steering wheel or car rattles or vibrates when you apply the brakes. Big discs that sit within the wheels are referred to as brake rotors. If you apply the brakes, the brake pads contact the rotors, preventing the wheels from moving. Over time, the rotor surface will most likely wear down and become uneven.

When you brake, friction transfers the pad material to the rotor surface. If the pad material transfers vibration unevenly, you may detect vibration during braking. If the material is left uneven, the problem will worsen over time. The face of the rotor should be smoothed or evened out during brake servicing to correct flaws and prevent a wobble during braking. The rotors must be changed if they are damaged beyond repair.

Fluid Leakage

The presence of leaking braking fluid indicates that your master cylinder needs to be changed. Your brake fluid is stored in the master cylinder, and the hydraulic pressure formed between the cylinder and the brake lines is what provides all of your braking force. If you’re leaking liquids, you won’t be able to stop as quickly. Allow a brake specialist to inspect your fluid levels and braking components to ensure you don’t lose all of your braking power.

The Car Pulls to One Side After Braking

This could be caused by a faulty brake hose or a problem with the callipers, among other reasons. When this happens to the front brakes, one brake may engage while the other remains inactive. This causes a pull in the braking force’s direction (still working). If only one of the rear callipers is broken, it may go undiscovered. Check your brakes regularly.

Metallic Squealing/High-Pitch Noises

You’re probably hearing the wear indicators on your brake pads if you hear a metallic squealing sound when you press the brakes. While frustrating, it isn’t usually an indication of damage, but rather that your brake pads need to be replaced. If you notice noises, replace your brake pads right away. Waiting too long can result in damaged rotors and a far more expensive repair. The good news is that brake pads are among the most cost-effective brake repair available.

A Grinding Noise

You’ll hear a metal-on-metal grinding noise if you let your brake pads wear down entirely past their functional life, which means your rotors are being harmed. To minimise further damage, contact a brake specialist right once if your brakes are grinding.

It smells like it’s on fire.

The smell test is the most evident indicator of brake failure. If you notice strong, offensive fumes while driving, such as burnt rubber or other strong chemical aromas, there is a major problem with your vehicle’s system. This is not a smell that a well-maintained automobile produces. Ignoring strange scents can be dangerous in the long term. A strong, chemical odour may emanate from overheated brakes.  Allow the brakes to cool down by pulling over to a safe spot. The brake calliper may be defective and trapped in place if a wheel is smoking. In this case, driving without prompt repairs could be risky.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that the brake is the most important part of a vehicle, whenever you feel any of the above signs than immediately consult the concerned expert and repair the brake.