5 Signs You Need New Brakes (Don’t Ignore #3!)

Your brakes are arguably the most important safety feature on your vehicle. Yet many drivers ignore warning signs until they’re facing an expensive repair – or worse, a dangerous situation. Here are five signs that your brakes need attention.

1. Squealing or Squeaking Sounds

That high-pitched squeal when you brake isn’t just annoying – it’s a built-in warning system. Most brake pads have metal wear indicators that create this sound when the pads are getting thin.

2. Grinding Noise When Braking

If squealing has progressed to grinding, you’ve likely worn through the brake pads entirely. The metal backing plate is now grinding against your rotors, causing damage that will make the repair more expensive.

3. Vibration or Pulsing in the Brake Pedal

Does your brake pedal vibrate or pulse when you press it? This usually indicates warped rotors – the metal discs that your brake pads clamp onto. Warped rotors can cause uneven braking and longer stopping distances.

Common causes of warped rotors:

• Heavy braking (like coming down a mountain)
• Towing beyond your vehicle’s capacity
• Worn brake pads that caused excessive heat
• Lug nuts torqued unevenly

4. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal

A brake pedal that feels soft or sinks to the floor indicates a problem with your brake fluid or brake lines. This could mean:

• Air in the brake lines (needs bleeding)
• Low brake fluid (possible leak)
• Worn master cylinder
• Failing brake booster

5. Car Pulls to One Side When Braking

If your vehicle pulls left or right when you brake, you may have a stuck caliper, uneven brake pad wear, or a brake fluid issue. This causes uneven braking force and affects your control of the vehicle.

Don’t Wait Until It’s an Emergency

Brake repairs caught early are usually simpler and less expensive. Waiting until you hear grinding or experience brake failure puts you and others at risk – and usually means replacing rotors along with pads.