It's important to know the signs of brake problems, so you know when you need to take your car in to have the brakes repaired. If you ignore issues with your brakes, then this puts everyone in your car and on the road with you in a dangerous situation. Here are 4 indicators that there is likely something wrong with your brakes: 

Your brakes grind

If you feel any shaking or hear a grinding sound when you go to stop, then this is a big sign there are serious issues with your brakes. You'll want to get the car into the shop right away to have the brakes taken care of. The grinding happens because the material of the brake pad has worn away, and this means you are hearing or feeling the sensation of metal on metal. 

Your brakes squeal

Most brake pads are designed with a tab that's called an indicator tab. The job of this tab is to let you know the brakes are nearing their end by causing a squealing sound. When you start to hear this sound, it means that the indicator tab is doing its job. At this point, you'll want to get your car into the shop to have the brakes replaced. However, this isn't generally what could be considered to be an emergency situation, as long as you don't put off getting the car in for too long.

Your car shudders

It can be scary to have your car shudder when you step on the brakes, and it is a serious situation. When you have the car shudder on you when you step on the brakes, it likely means that the car's rotors are warped. You'll want to get your car in right away. You will more than likely need to have your brakes replaced, and the rotors repaired or replaced. 

Your brake pedal feels soft or spongy

If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy when you go to step on it, then the cause is probably that you have air in the brake line. When you do get air in the brake line, it can create a problem where the brake fluid isn't allowed to flow through the line properly. This can cause the brake pedal to feel that way. You should take your car in to have it looked at, verify this is the problem or find the other problem, and have the issue repaired.

For more information on car brake repair, contact a company like BMS Automotive.