All of the components of your vehicle are important, but one of the most critical parts of your car is your braking system. Without proper brakes, it's impossible to stay safe on the road, and you could be putting yourself and all of the other drivers on the road at risk by driving a vehicle that can't brake properly. It can be easy to put off brake-related issues until another day, but it's essential to have your brakes inspected, repaired and replaced as necessary.

Look for these five signs that you need to have your brakes checked, and you can help prevent major braking issues while you're driving:

1. Brake Light in Dash Board

If your car is like most modern vehicles, it probably has a lot of different lights in the dash board that are designed to tell you different things. One of them could be a brake light, which will let you know that it's time to have your braking system checked. If you see a different light in your dash board than usual, take a look at your owner's manual to find out what it's indicating. The light could say "brake," or it could simply be an exclamation point or other symbol.

2. Burning Smell Near Tires

If you notice a harsh "burning" type of smell near your tires, it's critical to have your brakes looked at as soon as possible. This burning could come from friction between your brake pads and other components of your braking system, which can lead to more costly repair issues and can make it difficult for you to stop your vehicle.

3. Loud Noises When Braking

Your brakes should be quiet in almost all braking situations. If you hear squealing or other loud noises when pressing the brake pedal, then your braking system is trying to tell you that it needs help. Have your system looked at as quickly as possible; if you do, you may be able to simply have your brake pads replaced, which will be cheaper. Otherwise, other components could be damaged, which can cost a lot more.

Keeping your brakes in good condition is obviously one of the most critical things when it comes to being a responsible and safe vehicle owner. Luckily, seeking assistance with your braking system when you notice any of these three signs is a good way to ensure that your system stays in good condition.

For more information, contact a company like Big Mechanic to learn more.