If your car is getting older, there are many common things that can go wrong. One of these things is the brakes. It is important to know how to tell if they are getting bad so you can get them replaced before the problem becomes much worse. Keep reading for information.

Signs Brakes Are Going Bad

One main sign that brakes are going bad is hearing a noise when you press your foot on the brake when driving your car. What you hear may sound like a squealing noise in the beginning but then turn into a grinding noise as the problem becomes much worse. 

The brake light should come on inside your car on the console if the brakes are going out. You may also feel your car wobble a little or feel a small vibration when you brake and come to a stop. Your brake fluid may also leak from your car and your car brake may feel different when you press on it. For example, it may feel much softer than it usually does. You may feel your car pull to one side when you are driving. If you still have not changed the brakes, you will start to smell a burning smell. 

Replacing The Brakes

Brakes come in different parts. There are the actual brakes, a brake rotor, and a brake pad. The brake pad is the first thing that goes out which results in you hearing the squealing or squeaking noise. This is the time to take your car to a mechanic. They can replace only the brake pads to fix your car.

If you have gotten to the point that you are hearing a grinding noise the brake pads are likely completely gone and you are hearing the brakes rub against the rotors. At this point, the mechanic must replace the brake pad and the rotors. This is a much more expensive repair than only replacing the brake pads. 

To change your brakes the mechanic has to put it on a lift as they have to remove the wheel to gain access to the brakes. This involves removing bolts to remove the pad and the rotors. If a new rotor is put on it is cleaned first. When the mechanic is finished, they will check your brake fluid and fill it up if needed. 

The mechanic can give you much more information about giving your car new auto brakes.