Car brakes are crucial to your safety. Routine maintenance of brakes should be done at least once a year, but you should learn to recognise the signs warning of problems before an accident happens. 

Symptoms of brake hardware problems may include dragging brakes, squealing while braking, grinding brakes, a low brake pedal or pulling when braking.

Noise is one of the leading indicators that something is wrong. If you hear unusual sounds, it is often a sign that the brakes have worn down to the point where they must be checked.

Another sign of trouble is the feel of the pedal. If the car pulls left or right when braking, or if the front end shakes, these are signs of excessive wear. If the brake pedal begins to feel spongy, it could be a sign that air has entered the system or the fluid level is low.

A mushy brake pedal, along with a decrease in brake fluid, could also indicate brake wear. Check the fluid reservoir to make sure it’s topped up.

If the brake light stays on after you've released the parking brake, check your owner’s manual to find out what it means. Unlike other warning lights on the instrument panel, the same brake warning light may have multiple meanings. It could be a hydraulic system problem or the possibility that the parking brake cable or switch is out of adjustment.

When your car is due for servicing, ask if parts of the brake hardware will be replaced. Having the hardware replaced during servicing is a good investment you can make to ensure safe braking and a longer lifespan from your new brakes. 

Brake fluid must maintain a stable viscosity throughout its operating temperature range. In most standard vehicles, the fluid can become contaminated in two years or less. This is because it absorbs moisture, which works its way through the hydraulic system. However, you may have to change the fluid sooner if the vehicle is used in frequent heavy braking conditions like uphill driving.

Fluid replacement is recommended every two years or after a certain mileage determined by the manufacturer. It should be done together with a brake pad replacement. In between, your mechanic should check the condition of the fluid as a preventive measure.

For cars with disc brakes, it's normal for the fluid level to drop gradually as the brakes wear down. However, if you find that the fluid needs to be added very frequently, there may be a leak in the hydraulic system.