Operational brakes are a necessity when using a vehicle. Bad brakes can literally break your vehicle due to the possibility of a collision occurring. You might also "break the bank" if you cause property damage or incur uninsured damages to your own vehicle. Most brake jobs should be considered as affordable maintenance when compared to the cost of replacing a wrecked vehicle, recovering from injuries and missing work, or being sued for property damage or negligently injuring a person or pet. 

Your vehicle will likely give cues that you have a brake issue. Ignoring the signs will make it more and more dangerous or difficult to operate your vehicle. The following are things you might notice and should address with a brake repair shop.

Unpleasant Odors

You may notice unpleasant odors when you press your brakes. Some describe these smells as burnt or sulfuric in odor. Sometimes brakes may produce burnt smells in certain driving conditions or when they overheat. However, these are not common occurrences in everyday driving, which means you should not be smelling odors every time you use your vehicle. If you live on a hill or have to travel through hilly areas regularly, you know that you have to initiate your brakes for safety reasons. This may mean that you will smell odors in these driving circumstances. 

Nonexistent or Undocumented Maintenance

Almost every portion of vehicles will need to get maintenance performed at some point. Even the exterior of vehicles require washing and waxing to protect paint finishes. Your braking system also needs routine care. It may be able to go more miles before brake repairs are needed when you compare it to other components such as your engine, which likely needs oil changes every few thousand miles. If you don't know when the last brake service was performed or never had your brakes serviced, it is wise to have a brake repair shop examine your vehicle.

Performance

In a properly working brake system, vehicles stop without signs of trouble. Obvious brake issues may involve noisy brake sounds. There may also be hesitation or delay before vehicles come to a full stop. Some individuals may also notice that their vehicles appear to shudder when their brake pedals are pressed. 

A brake technician is a good resource to use to evaluate the performance of your brakes and the condition of your braking system. Some brake systems may have significant damage and require a complete replacement. However, it is possible for only certain components of the braking system to require replacements. Routine brake inspections will ensure safe operation or your vehicle and improve the lifespan of components of your braking system.

Reach out to a professional who provides brake services.