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The brakes on your vehicle are a required part of your vehicle. They stop your vehicle when necessary and help to slow your vehicle down. Without brakes on vehicles, accidents would be plentiful and injuries on the road would be very commonplace. If you don't have your brakes inspected often, you should consider having them inspected every time you have your tires rotated and balanced. There are other times when your brakes should be inspected as well. Read on for some signs that your brakes need to be inspected.

1. They're Noisy

If your brakes are making noise, they need to be inspected. Noises such as grinding or squealing noises all indicate an issue with your brakes, and they should be inspected. Squealing noises are usually the first indication of a brake problem, and a grinding noise is usually a sign of a major brake problem. If your brakes are noisy at all, you should have them inspected and checked for issues—or repaired if your brake pads have started going bad or your rotors need to be replaced. 

2. They're Not Stopping Your Vehicle

If your brakes are not stopping your vehicle, they aren't working as they should. Your vehicle should begin to slow down as you apply pressure to your brake. The more pressure you apply to your brakes, the slower your vehicle will go. Pressing firmly down on your brake pedal should cause your vehicle to stop altogether. If your vehicle is not slowing down or isn't stopping, you need to have your brakes inspected and your brake pads changed if necessary.

3. They Smell Like They're Burning

If your brakes smell like they are burning, it could be because they are grinding so much that that odor you smell is a burning smell from the metal on metal. Your brakes may be grinding into the rotors, or you could also have an issue with your brake caliper sticking. If you smell a burning odor coming from your brakes when you are attempting to stop, you need to have your brakes inspected. Don't continue to drive your vehicle if you smell a burning odor and always have it inspected by a professional auto shop.

If you have noticed any of these signs with your brakes, you need to have them inspected. Don't continue to drive your vehicle if you notice these signs on your vehicle. Have your brakes repaired or replaced as needed by a professional.

Contact a local brake inspection service for more information.