5 signs that you need to service your vehicle's brakes...

1 - Worn Pads: When you are cruising at 100kph and suddenly need to stop, it could take up to 100 yards for your vehicle to come to a halt - and that is when its brakes are in perfect working condition. If they are not, the distance will increase.

Worn pads: But, how do you know it is time to have the stoppers checked and serviced apart from the obvious signs such as the brake light appearing on the dash? Well, there are at least five signs to look out for starting with worn pads. Over time, they begin to wear thin and become less effective at squeezing down on the brake discs and in turn slow and stop your car. To check them, look between the spokes of your wheel to locate the pads and then you'll have to estimate their thickness which should be at least one-quarter of an inch thick. If they are thinner than this, then it is time to get them replaced.

2 - Strange Sounds: If your brakes make a high-pitched squeal or a general grinding sound then it may mean your pads need replacing.

Strange sounds: Those sounds are due to the fact you have gone completely through your brake pads and now, when you hit the brake pedal, the metal of the calipers is grinding against the metal of your discs.

3 - Pulling: When you hit the brake pedal and your car feels like it wants to lurch left or right, it could be sign that you have an issue with the braking system. The possible reasons for the car to pull could be a stuck caliper, a collapsed brake hose or uneven brake pads all of which would apply different amounts of pressure to different wheels causing the car to pull left or right. However, pulling could also be due to worn tyres, poor alignment or even suspension issues.

Pulling: If you begin to notice a pull after several thousand kilometres have been put on your tyres, this is most likely due to uneven wear caused by driving conditions (like rough winter roads) or a suspension issue.

4 - Vibrations: A vibrating brake pedal usually indicates warped discs - their uneven surfaces thrum against the brake pads, and you can feel the vibrations through the pedal. Discs can warp if they are under extreme stress for a long periods of time such as driving down a steep mountainside can create friction-generated heat and cause the discs to change shape. Again, vibrations can also be due to suspension issues, misaligned wheels or worn tyres.

5 - Temperamental Pedal: If your brake pedal feels too soft then there could be a problem with the hydraulic system; there may be air in the line, an air leak or a brake fluid leak. If the pedal feels too hard, it could be due to a brake line obstruction or a problem with the vacuum system. If you feel that the brake pedal is too grabby even at the slightest of touch, it could indicate an unevenly worn disc, dirty brake fluid or contamination of the fluid by moisture.