Your brakes are arguably one of the most important parts of your car. A vehicle with faulty brakes could quickly put you and your family into a dangerous situation. If you run into any of the following scenarios while driving your vehicle, you will want to reach out to a vehicle brake repair specialist immediately.

The Brake Pedal is Soft

When you push down on the brake pedal, you should feel some pressure. If you ever push down and it seems like there is less resistance or if the pedal feels like it is "soft" or more like a sponge, you likely have an issue in either a cylinder or the brake line. Get off the road and get help.

The Vehicle Pulls

A car with poor alignment might go to the left or right when the steering wheel is centered. But if the car makes a significant pull in one direction whenever you push the brake pedal, chances are you have a much more serious and dangerous situation on your hands.

This could indicate an issue with the caliper or the brake pads. Once again, seek professional help immediately.

Grinding or Squeaking Noises

If you hear a squeaking or grinding noise when you push down on the pedal, this is usually a sign that your brake pads are worn down and you are now hitting at least some metal every time you try and apply the brakes. You may possibly be able to keep driving if you hear very light squeaking as long as you quickly get the problem fixed. But if the squeaking progresses to grinding, this means the pads are basically gone and you need immediate assistance.

Vibrations in the Pedal

Does the car shake a bit every time you push the pedal? Can you feel vibrations passing from the pedal to your foot every time you press down? This is most likely a sign that there is an issue with your brake rotors. Your rotors could have uneven wear or may be warped. Either way, they will need to be replaced by a professional immediately. 

There might be some squeaks or noises coming from your car that you ignore for the short term. But if you ever hear noises coming from your brakes, this is not a situation you want to mess with. If you push down on the brake pedal and the vehicle does not respond as expected, contact a local vehicle brake repair professional immediately and get your car there as safely as you can.