The brakes on your car or truck are critical, and if they are not working correctly, the results could be catastrophic. If you suspect something is wrong with the brakes, it is crucial to take the vehicle to the shop for a brake inspection. There are some signs to watch for that can help indicate a problem and help avoid a complete failure of the brake system.

Soft Brake Pedal

When you drive the same car daily, you begin to get accustomed to the way things feel in the car, and if you feel the brake pedal in the car getting soft or traveling further than it did previously before the brakes start to engage, you need to take the car for a brake inspection.

Any change in how the brake pedal feels when you depress it can indicate something in the system has changed. Often a soft brake pedal is the result of air in the system, a leak somewhere that allows the pressure in the system to drop, or a problem with a wheel cylinder, caliper, or the master cylinder in the car. 

Replacing any of these parts or finding the leak can be challenging and handled by a professional mechanic after a complete brake inspection is done on the car or truck. 

Grinding Noises

Grinding noises under the car are never a good sign, but if the grinding starts when you apply the brakes, it is highly probable that there is a problem with the brake pads or shoes on your vehicle. In most cases, grinding results from the metal rivets or backing plates on the shoes and pads contacting the drums and rotors. 

A brake inspection is the best way to determine what is going on inside the brakes, and if you hear grinding, it should not be neglected. The longer the grinding continues, the more likely permanent damage is being done to the brakes, and the higher the cost of repair is going to be. 

Vibrations When Braking

Anytime you notice a vibration in the brake pedal or the steering wheel when you are braking, you should consider a brake inspection. The vibrations are often a symptom of a warped rotor, and while it may not seem like a big deal, the vibration can get bad enough to make controlling the car under braking extremely difficult. 

The mechanic at your local shop can do a brake inspection for you and determine if the rotors need replacing or if they can resurface them and take the warp out of the surface. The rotors are not expensive for most vehicles but are a critical component, and letting them go is a good way to damage the suspension system and other parts in the front end due to the constant vibrations.