Its Time to Replace Brake Pads

If your car's brake pads are worn out, you could find it difficult to bring your car to a complete stop. How dangerous that can be if you encounter an emergency situation!
Fortunately, there are some clear signs of impending brake trouble including the following:
Squealing brakes
Grinding brakes
Brake pedal that needs to be pumped in order to stop the car
Pulling of the car from one side to the other
Wheel grabbing
Sudden and hard brake pedal
Spongy brake pedals

Though some of these problems may require that you replace other brake components, an inspection of your brake pads will usually reveal that they are worn and are in need of prompt replacement.
The next step you take depends on your skillsets, time available, and your budget. Most automotive garages offer a free brake inspection which can be a perfect opportunity for you to have someone else inspect your system to confirm what you suspect is wrong with your car.
Ask your mechanic for a full diagnosis of your brake system and get a written estimate of what parts and repairs will cost you. A professional garage will give you a print out showing an estimate of what your costs will be. Include local taxes and the price quoted should be about 95% of the final cost, excluding unforeseen additional problems being detected [for example, a leaking master cylinder].
If you are confident that you can do the work yourself, you could save yourself plenty of money, at least in labor costs. You can also save money with parts by shopping around, but expect to pay the highest prices at your dealer's parts department. On the other hand, prices at a national auto parts supply store should be lower, while prices through an online wholesaler should be about the lowest of all as they purchase their inventory directly from the manufacturer, cutting out the middle man.
Should you choose to purchase online, only obtain parts from a reputable dealer selling parts from respected manufacturers. Be careful of those sites selling generic parts from unknown overseas merchants. Make sure that you can return what you purchase, if needed, to an address based in the U.S.