Brakes are arguably the most important safety aspect of a car, and must be checked routinely to ensure they are working properly and are not worn down, damaged, or low on fluid. You can perform several simple tests if you suspect your brakes are not functioning properly. If you discover your car does indeed have a problem with its brakes, do not drive the car and consult a professional mechanic immediately. Driving a car with faulty brakes endangers not only your safety, but also the safety of others around you.
Turn off the car's engine and put the car in park. Press the brake pedal with your foot. If the brake pedal feels "soft" or "mushy," your brakes may not have enough fluid.
Listen for squealing sounds when braking. These sounds indicate that your brakes need to be replaced or cleaned and your car is not safe to drive, especially at high speeds.
Drive to a secluded area at a low speed and press firmly on the brake pedal. If the car does not come to an immediate stop, it is likely that there is a problem with your brakes.
Observe if the brakes tend to shift the car to one side or the other during braking. This is another indication that the brakes need repair.
Drive the car slowly to see if the brakes drag at all. If they do, they need to be repaired immediately.
