Any time something goes wrong with your brakes, it's alarming. And it should be. Your brakes are arguably the most important part of your vehicle, barring the safety features that will save you should your brakes fail. You should immediately head over to the local auto repair shop if you notice any strangeness with your brake system, but you may also be curious as to what is occurring with your car.

Your Car Shudders When Braking

Does your entire car shake when you brake? This usually indicates that there are problems with the brake pads at the back of your car. As you likely know, there are brake pads on every wheel. The front brake pads may wear down more than the rear brake pads, or the opposite may also be true. A shaking car generally indicates there is a problem with the back of the car, while the steering wheel shaking will indicate that there are problems with the brakes at the front of the car. Either way, this is usually a sign that you need to get your brake pads changed as soon as possible.

Your Car Leans Right or Left When Braking

When your vehicle leans right or left when braking, it means that the brakes on one side are going. This is very dangerous. It's more dangerous than either your front or rear brakes going, because it throws your car "off balance" and makes it difficult to maneuver as well. This issue will usually start subtly and slowly get worse. You should always deal with it as soon as you notice it.

Your Car Feels "Soft" or "Squishy" When Braking

Of all brake problems, this is simultaneously one of the most dangerous and one of the most frequently ignored. It can be easy to ignore the "softer" feel of brakes, but your brakes going soft is actually indicative of your brakes becoming less responsive. Soft or squishy brakes are often caused by issues with your brake fluid. You could have a leak somewhere and it could be leaking. The vehicle should not be driven in this condition. 

Regardless of the issue, it's always a good idea to make an appointment to have your vehicle repaired right away. If the problem is extreme, you should always have your car towed rather than attempt to drive it over. Often, your auto insurance will actually pay for the cost of the towing. You can check with your insurance company first.