Brake Safety Awareness Week reminds drivers to keep an eye on brake health

Drivers should check their brakes at least once a year to make sure that everything is working properly. The Car Care Council is encouraging and reminding drivers to do so during Brake Safety Awareness Week, which began on Saturday.

"Brake Safety Awareness Week is the perfect time to think about what's stopping your car," said the Car Care Council's executive director Rich White. "Brakes are a normal wear item for any car, and eventually they're going to need to be replaced for both performance and safety reasons."

The brakes will wear out inevitably, but the Council suggests that there are different factors that can speed up the process. These include driving habits, weather conditions, the type of vehicle and the material used for the brake lining.

Drivers can look and listen for various signs that the components of their vehicles' braking systems are beginning to underperform. High-pitched squealing noises when the brakes are applied indicate that the brake pads are likely worn out and need to be replaced. If a car veers to the side when braking, this could also indicate an issue. An automobile extended warranty can cover the cost of replacing the brake pads or any other aspect of the system when the time comes, so the driver can save money.