Brake Warning Signs
Your brake system should be inspected at least twice a year to ensure safe operation. If you experience any of the following, you should have your brakes inspected immediately. Failure to do so could cause damage to non-wear brake components. Brake Masters offers free brake inspections for most vehicles.

Squeal/Grinding
Brakes should operate with a minimal amount of noise. Some noise is okay under normal braking conditions. Consistent or excessive squeal, screech, grinding chatter or banging means your brakes need attention.

Pull
If your car tends toward one side when the brakes are applied, the brakes are pulling. This may be caused by air in the lines, dirt in the pads, misadjusted brakes, or brake parts that are in need of repair.

Warning Light
Emergency brake is on; or you have a serious drop in hydraulic pressure. Your brakes may be in or near total FAILURE. Do not attempt to drive if this light is on and your emergency brake is disengaged.

Grab
Touchy brakes that grab with light pressure may indicate a problem as simple as grease or oil contaminated linings, or as serious as a loose or broken component that could fail during an emergency stop.

Drag
Sticking brakes, hot wheels or an engine which seems to have lost power characterizes drag. A cause of drag is brakes that may be failing to release. The condition can reverse itself, leaving you with no brakes. Seek attention immediately.

Hard Pedal
Does it take a heavy foot on the brake pedal to make the brakes function? This can be an indication of trouble with the power brakes, restricted hydraulic lines, or damaged brake linings.

Low Pedal
A brake pedal that nearly touches the floorboard before the brakes start working is known as low pedal. This condition could be corrected with a simple adjustment, or it may be an indication of a more serious problem with your brake's hydraulic system.

Vibration
Excessive vehicle vibration when braking could be caused by several factors, including your vehicle's braking system. If the pedal, steering wheel or entire vehicle shakes, vibrates or pulsates when brake is applied, it indicates a need to have the disc brake rotors resurfaced, or signals a loose component or faulty steering mechanism.

Service
For most drivers, the vehicle's brakes are "out of sight, out of mind." Remember to have your brakes inspected twice a years depending on your mileage and driving habits. Visit Brake Masters for a free brake inspection (most vehicles.)