Auto brake services are a part of living with a car, and it's important to identify problems as early as possible. Knowing how to tell if the brakes are the problem can make a major difference in catching issues early. Here are three suggestions for determining if a problem involves the brakes.

Decreased Fuel Economy

If the brakes are grabbing even a little bit too long, they can cause an appreciable difference in a vehicle's fuel economy. Losing even a couple of MPG is a sign that something's up with a car, but it doesn't necessarily mean the vehicle needs brake services. However, you should note how the car reacts after braking. If it seems like the car continues to slow down for a few seconds after you let off the brake, it may be a sign the brakes are grabbing too much. The problem could be as simple as the pressure level in the brake fluid or as bad as an issue with the master cylinder.

Slow Stopping

Brakes should generally be responsive. While the responsiveness of brake systems does vary among makes and models, it shouldn't take several seconds for the brakes to start stopping the car. It is possible the tires are getting smooth, but that's something you can easily check just by looking at the tread. Especially if the brakes seem to take a while to really slow the car down, slow stopping isn't a great sign. You should get the vehicle to an auto brake services provider as soon as possible.

Noises

A vehicle's brakes will make noises if they're not working properly. Crunching or grinding noises are the most worrisome. You should note whether the noises only happen while braking. If the noise occurs even when you're not applying the brake, there's a good chance the issue is something else.

Notably, a light grinding sound that goes away after you run the car on the road a bit may not be a big deal. If you park the car for more than a day at a time, the brakes can get rusty. However, the rust usually comes off after a couple of braking cycles.

Similarly, a high-pitched squealing or chirping sound is usually not a good sign, but it's also not the worst. Many brake pads have metal strips that warn you when the pads are worn. The strip hits the brake disc, and it causes a squeal or chirp to tell you it's time to replace the pads.

For more information about brake services, contact a local company.