5 Signs Your Brakes Need to Be Checked

Your brakes are the single most important safety system on your vehicle, and the good news is they almost always warn you before they become a real problem. The trick is knowing what to listen and feel for.

Here are five signs it is time to have your brakes looked at.

1. Squealing or squeaking

Many brake pads have a small metal wear indicator that makes a high-pitched squeal when the pads get low. It is annoying on purpose. If you hear it, your pads are telling you they are near the end.

2. Grinding

A metal-on-metal grinding sound usually means the pads are completely worn and the metal backing is contacting the rotor. This damages the rotors and gets more expensive the longer it waits. Do not put this one off.

3. A soft or sinking pedal

If the brake pedal feels mushy or slowly sinks toward the floor, it can point to air or moisture in the brake lines, or a leak. Anything that changes how the pedal feels deserves prompt attention.

4. Pulling to one side

If your car pulls left or right when you brake, a caliper or brake hose may be sticking, or the pads may be wearing unevenly. Either way, your brakes are not working evenly, and that affects how you stop.

5. Vibration or shuddering when braking

A steering wheel or pedal that shudders when you brake often means warped rotors. It is usually fixable, and much easier to deal with sooner than later.

The honest bottom line

Brake inspections are quick, and a good shop will show you what they find and recommend only what you actually need. If you have noticed any of these signs, do not gamble with the one system that stops your car.

See our brake services or bring your vehicle in for an honest inspection.