It’s the weekend and you might be wanting to celebrate it by driving along the highway at 80-plus kilometers per hour. But that’s fine only if you’ve kept the critical safety systems in your car well maintained and that includes the brakes. Car brakes may not be the most stylish part of your car, but they’re certainly one of the most crucial. With the amount of use they get, it is all the more important to make sure that they are in good shape at all times.

Do you know of the signs that could indicate the condition of your car’s brake system? Paying attention to those warning signs can mean the difference between life and death on the road. Here are the four things to look out for to avert a serious accident in the future.

1. Strange Sounds

One of the warning signs that your brakes need servicing can come from a small indicator which might escape your notice if you put on blaring music in the car. It comes from the brake system which emits a high-pitched squeal. This means that it’s time to get a set of high quality commercial vehicle brake pads for your car.  

If you don’t replace the brake pads in time, then brace for a harsh grinding sound. This would signal that your brake pads are completely damaged now and it is the metal of the calipers which is grinding against the metal of rotors in the brake system.

Not only is this going to hinder the functioning of brakes, you might also end up damaging your rotors and thus turning a relatively easy and inexpensive pad replacement into a costlier rotor resurfacing or replacement. A repair would be essential now as the vehicle has become unsafe to operate.

2. Pulling

If your car seems to be taking right- or left- hand turns on its own while you’re driving or braking, then it could be a sign of a problem with the braking system. This type of pulling might be caused due to a stuck caliper. It might also be due to a collapsed brake hose that would make your calipers move unevenly on applying the brakes, or uneven brake pads, which would also apply different amounts of pressure to different wheels.

Pulling is not always due to defective brakes. It could be due to unevenly inflated or worn tires, poor alignment or a problem with the vehicle’s suspension. In any case, if the car begins to pull, it is time to get it examined thoroughly as promptly as possible and ensure that the brake system is not compromised.

3. Vibrations

Sometimes the rotors get warped due to extreme stress for an extended period. It tends to happen when vehicle drivers head down a mountain holding down the brakes for prolonged time, thereby causing the rotors to heat up excessively and then warp. As the uneven surfaces of warped rotors thrum against the brake pads, they cause vibrations in the pedal. So if you experience a rapid pulsing of the brake-pedal even under normal braking circumstances, then it’s time to get the rotors checked.

4. Temperamental Pedal

While a vibrating pedal may mean warped rotors, a mushy pedal, one that goes practically to the floor before engaging the brakes, could indicate defective pads or hydraulic system. To check for a problem of fluid leak in the hydraulic system, see if there is any fluid collecting under the car.

On some occasions, the pedals may give the opposite effect and cause the brakes to grab immediately at the slightest touch. This could be because of an unevenly worn rotor, dirty brake fluid or contamination of the fluid by moisture. If the problem lies with the fluid, then you could simply get the fluid changed yourself or with the help of a mechanic.

In the last analysis, if bringing the car to a halt seems anything but smooth, there might be an issue with the brake line or vacuum system. In both these situations, the brake pedal would become extremely hard to operate and need immediate servicing. It is advised to take your car to any of the reliable brake system parts and clutch plate manufacturers in India, the likes of ASK automotive, and get the brakes fixed immediately.