One of the most crucial systems in your car is the braking system. This is why maintaining the brakes of your car is something you need to give top priority. Unfortunately for some car owners, they have no idea how to do this. This is bad for the performance of your car and even for your own safety and that of other road users. Brakes are made up of different parts and brake pads and the brake motors are some of the most common components. Your brake rotors may crack or break with time depending on factors such as driving conditions. Here are some of the warning signs to watch out for when this happens.

Brake Noises

Noisy brakes are perhaps the most common warning sign that there is a problem. Usually, sounds are produced when there's contact between the brake rotors and the brake pads when either is worn out. Therefore, if you recently replaced your brake pads but are still experiencing noises when you depress the brake pedal, the rotors could be the problem. At first, you may hear squeaking or squealing sounds. If you don't take care of the problem soon enough, you may end up with scraping sounds, and this is when the rotors are severely worn out. When your brake rotors wear out, they will lose their flat surface, which is why sometimes the noises you hear may be rhythmic because the rotors and the brake pads get into contact at uneven intervals.

Shudder On the Brake Pedal

Do you feel a shudder on your brake pedal when slowing down or coming to a halt? This could be a result of failing brake rotors. A typical brake rotor is smooth and flat. If it is warped or worn, the brake pads will not easily clamp down on it and this is why you may feel the shudder. This can be more vigorous when you are at high speed and are trying to slow down because the brake rotors will be rotating faster at this point.

Steering Wheel Vibrations

Your brake callipers, brake rotors, and your wheels are attached to the same spindle. Therefore, any vibrations from worn brake rotors, such as the ones you feel on your brake pedal can be transmitted through your brake callipers, to your wheels, and finally your steering wheel. This is especially when the front brake rotors are the ones with the problem. Problematic rotors can be replaced or resurfaced depending on the degree of damage.