The car brake is definitely amongst the top 3 most important safety features of a vehicle. You need it to bring your car to a halt when accelerating and to prevent your vehicle from rolling forward or backward when you intend it to be on standstill. Once you start experiencing issues with the brakes, it's about time you have it checked. The different parts of of a car brake are also made to last for a given period of time, after which they need to be replaced or fixed. Others require routine maintenance to ensure that they are efficient when needed.

That said, it's imperative that you know when something is wrong with your brakes. This helps you determine what to do and how to prevent fatal accidents. Here are 7 signs of failing brakes - brought to you by Naijacarnews!

1. The brake squeals or vibrates when being applied

When you apply your car brakes and the pedal starts vibrating, know that there's a problem. Asides the pedal, the steering wheel can also vibrate. These vibrations is caused by uneven operation of the rotors. This unevenness occurs when you have driven the vehicle for a pretty long time. Wears and rusts would have developed as time goes by and the rotors would have varying surface grips.

This can be fixed by changing the rotors or flattening the surface to prevent the variations. Another cause of the vibration is a stuck piston. This occurs when gravels or stones and heat from the road prevents the piston from moving correctly. It further affects the brake calipers. The stones as well can get really stuck in and grind against the tyres. All leading to squealing and vibrations.

2. Creaking sounds from the brakes

When the rotor and brake pads don't match or align properly, you will hear a creaking sound when apply the brakes. It also cokes with a hissing sound. This can be simply fixed by realigning the two components properly. On the other hand, the brake pad may have been worn out. Replacing them will also solve the problem. Broken springs and stuck dirt can also cause these sounds. Have the brakes checked so the affected part can be replaced or the dirt taken away.

Always listen to your car to know when your brakes are about to go bad!

>>> Have you experienced this problem? Why your car pedal vibrates whenever you hit the brakes!

3. The brake pedal gets flat or too loose

There are times when you apply brakes and they seem too loose. Your pedals are meant to provide some sort of resistance when applied, if they don't, something is definitely wrong. This is a sign that your brake fluid might have leaked out or the brake pads are worn out. That's why it's always adviced that you look underneath your car every morning or after parking it at a spot for a long time.

If you notice the brake fluid on the floor underneath, then you are about to experience light brake issues. Have your mechanic check for the leaks and fix them. If the issue persists, then it means your brake pads might be worn out. The friction between the pads and the disc brakes causes the wearing out. They rub against each other when applied. Endeavor to get it checked too and replaced.

4. Your car swerves when brakes are applied

Usually when people experience this, they attribute the problem to the steering. No it isn't the cause. There are times when the brake discs are tilted to the side. When you apply your brakes with a lot of pressure, it affects the wheels of the car. It also happens when the brake calipers have gone bad. The pressure leads to an unbalance on the wheels which makes your car swerve.

This is sign of bad brakes and you will have to change the calipers or realign the brake discs or drum brakes. Although, this happens a lot more on vehicles that use drum brakes.

5. Brake light warning on the dashboard comes on

When you notice the red brake warning lights come on through the indicators on the dashboard, know that something is wrong with the brake. Have it checked immediately. Look at the brake fluid, check for leaks, or take the vehicle to a mechanic. If no problem is found, then it might be an electrical fault. However, make sure you differentiate between the light that comes on normally when parking and the one that comes on as a warning.

The brake light doesn't show up for no reason

>>> Should I change my Brake Fluid frequently or how often should I change it? See answers in the link!

6. A smell of burning rubber

Many times when drivers smell burning rubber in their car, they conclude it's the clutch. Sometimes, the brakes can else burn out. It's as a result of over heating when they have been applied more often. Stop and check. If they still look good, you can drive to a mechanic for proper examination. It can also be as a result of the calipers getting jammed. No need to worry, it can all be fixed.

7. Tight brakes

Just as we have flat brakes that go down smoothly, you can have tight ones - though they rarely happen. But once it does, it's a sign that your brakes have gone bad. Have it checked for anything obstacle or dirt. It's likely going to he around the brake pads and the rotor. It's safer to visit your mechanic immediately than trying to manage the brake that way for the rest of your journey.

>>> Check out more car care tips on Naijacarnews to protect your beloved transport!