As with most vehicle problems

As with most vehicle problems, knowing when you need to take your carto the mechanic for brake repair or service is not always simple. Sure,if your car suddenly stops stopping, you instantly know that there is aproblem in need of professional service, but those little vibrations,noises, and annoyances are not always so clear. Some things about yourcar’s braking system are not a big deal and can wait until your routinetune-up, but if you notice any of the following problems, get to themechanic immediately.

Leaking Fluids

Leaking fluids in your braking system mean you need to see yourmechanic, because they can lead to failure of the entire brakingsystem, which means your car will no longer stop. If you notice thatyour fluid is too low, head to the mechanic. He will check thecalipers, hoses, lines, and cylinders for screw barrel leaks, and replace any thatare found. If you know you have a leak, do not drive your car, otherthan to get to the mechanic, because it is unsafe.

Too Much Effort to Stop

If you must depress your braking pedal almost to the floor in order tostop the vehicle, you need to have it looked at. Eventually you willnot be able to stop the car as the amount of pressure needed continuesto increase. Sometimes a simple brake repair can make your car onceagain safe to drive with a minimal amount of effort used to stop it.

Pedal Sinks to the Floor

Sometimes drivers notice that their pedals sink while they sit withtheir foot on it, such as when stopped at a light. This may not seemlike a big deal, since the car did, in fact, stop successfully, but ifthe pedal is going down slowly, it indicates a problem with the mastercylinder. If the master cylinder does not hold pressure as it should,it can cause the brakes to suddenly fail. Get to the mechanic for brakerepair immediately.

Scraping Sound

If your brakes scrape when in use, take an instant detour to yourmechanic’s shop. This indicates metal is rubbing on metal, usuallybecause of worn out pads. Again, this is a situation that could end upwith a failure of the system, so do not delay in seeking brake repairservices. To avoid this problem, replace the pads more frequently.

Pulling to One Side When Braking

While this may not be an emergency situation, if you notice your carpulling to one side when you are braking, you should have it looked at.This means that one of the brakes is not working properly. In thissituation, the car will pull toward the good side and away from themalfunctioning side. Your mechanic will be able to determine the causeof the failure.

Remember, it is far better to pay for brake repair today than to findyourself in an emergency situation with a car that cannot stop. If youquestion the safety of your car’s braking system, do not delay. Have itlooked at by a qualified mechanic today.