If you've ever been driving a car at top speeds and had to come to a sudden stop, you realize just how wonderful it is to have good brakes. It adds to your safety and peace of mind to know that when you need to apply the brakes, they will work as they should. Because brakes are so central to the driving experience, it's a good idea to pay attention to how they are performing. Doing so will make you aware of the warning signs that there are brake problems on the horizon. If you notice any of the following occurrences, it just might be time to have your car seen by an automotive technician.

Your Car Emits A Loud, Screeching Sound When You Try To Brake

When you're driving over a wet surface after a heavy rain, it's quite normal to hear a screeching sound if you press the brake. The tires are attempting to "grip" the road so that you can stop on command. However, if you start to hear this sound on days when the weather is clear and the roads are dry, it could be the first sign of a problem.

As the brake pad that buffers the space between the brake and rotor begins to wear away, there's bound to be some metal-on-metal contact. That's the loud sound that you're hearing as you try to apply the brakes. You can do a quick visual check to find out if this is the case by peering through the spokes on your wheels. If you see that the brake pad is getting thinner and thinner, it's time to take immediate action. An auto repair facility can help you by replacing your brake pads so you'll feel a lot more confident when you're out on the road.

You Find That The Brake Pedal Feels Spongy Instead Of Firm

When you mash on the brake, it should have just a touch of resistance, or, "give" to it. If you find that your brake no longer feels firm and instead feels spongy, it's a good indication that your brakes are on the verge of malfunctioning.

It's a good idea not to ignore these signs when they crop up because the ramifications of doing so could be both costly and dangerous. Get your car over to a specialist at a company like Huntington Beach Transmissions so they can examine the brakes and find out just what the problem could be.