Every component of your vehicle is essential to it running in the intended manner. However, some systems are more important to your safety than others. The brakes in your vehicle are a safety critical system.
As you know, there are times when you need to have your brake system serviced. For example, as your brakes begin to wear out, they may not work as effectively as you would like.
There is another issue to think about, which is the potential for defective brakes. While this situation doesn't happen that frequently, it's possible that defective brakes could be installed on your vehicle. If this happens, you could find it more difficult to control your vehicle, thus increasing the risk of an accident.
Here are some signs that you could be dealing with defective brakes (or a similar problem):
- Screeching or grinding, despite the fact that your brake pads and shoes are brand new
- The need to press down hard (or long) in order to stop your vehicle in a timely manner
- A burning smell when you use your brakes
- A brake system warning light
Although these warning signs may give you reason to check your brakes, it's possible that your entire brake system could fail suddenly. This kind of catastrophic failure makes it impossible to safely stop your vehicle.
If you have any reason to believe that your vehicle is having brake issues, don't wait to visit a mechanic. If defective brakes were a factor in your crash, it's time to learn more about what happened and take action. You have legal rights, and you need to assert them no matter what it takes.
Source: Firestone, "Brake Problem Symptoms," accessed Dec. 11, 2017