Your car's brake system is one of the most essential components of your vehicle. While the engine and transmission work together to help your car go, the brakes and rotors work together to help your car stop -- provided that they are in good working condition. If you have the right tools on hand, you can do all of the maintenance yourself.

Depending on what make/model of vehicle you own, brake maintenance frequency can vary greatly. However, in all cases there are telltale signs your brakes need to be looked at when you notice any of the following happening:

Brakes squealing

Pulling of car from one side or the other

Wheel grabs

Squishy or spongy brake pedals

Brake pedal pumping

Brakes that won't release after pushing pedal

Sudden hard brake pedal

Grinding noise while braking

Leaking brake fluid observed

One or more of these problems occurring is a signal that your brake system needs help.

You can use standard replacement parts for adequate braking or you can elect to purchase parts that are favored by race car teams. Yes, something besides a parachute must stop these land rockets and you can install the same high performance brakes on your car as the NASCAR teams use. Brembo Brakes, EBC Brakes, Hawk Brakes, Power Slot Rotors, and Powerstop Brakes are some of the brands favored by race car enthusiasts. They are proven, high performance brake systems that will help your car stop quickly and cleanly every time.

Should you decide to do the job yourself, you will need to have the following tools on hand to get the work done:

Brake tools: spring pliers, hold-down remover

Hand tools

Drip tray

Mask

Gloves

Repair manual

If your car already has a performance exhaust system installed and under-the-hood performance upgrades in place, doesn't it make sense to protect your investment by installing a high quality performance level brake system? Of course it does! Outfit your car today with genuine high performance parts.

Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Car Parts Stuff, an online supplier of high quality and well priced automobile parts.