The brakes are one of the most important safety components on your car. Yet it's something many people only react to once problems occur. Fortunately, worn brakes almost always give clear signs, if you know what to listen and feel for.
In this guide we go through the most common symptoms of worn brakes, and when you should get them checked.
Sounds from the brakes
One of the first things many people notice is a sound when braking.
Typical sounds can be:
- A squealing or grinding sound.
- A metallic scraping.
- Creaking brakes.
What does it mean?
- A squealing sound often means worn brake pads.
- A grinding sound can be a sign the pads are very worn.
- Creaking can be caused by early wear or dirt.
If you hear metallic sounds, you should react quickly. It can mean the brakes are worn enough that they're also damaging the brake discs.
Vibrations when braking
Do you notice the steering wheel or the car vibrating when braking?
That can be caused by:
- Warped brake discs.
- Uneven wear.
- Overheating of the brakes.
Vibrations aren't just annoying. They can also affect your braking ability and make the car less stable.
Reduced braking performance
If you feel that the car:
- Brakes worse than normal.
- Needs a longer stopping distance.
- Responds more slowly.
Then that's a clear sign something isn't as it should be. It can be caused by worn pads, poor brake fluid, or problems in the brake system itself.
Soft or hard brake pedal
Your brake pedal can also reveal problems:
- A soft pedal can be a sign of air in the system or other wear.
- A hard pedal can indicate a fault in the brake booster.
Both should be examined quickly, because it directly affects your safety.
Warning lights in the car
Modern cars will often warn you if something is wrong.
- Brake warning light.
- ABS light.
If a warning light comes on, you shouldn't ignore it. Get the car checked as soon as possible.
When should you react?
You should get your brakes checked if you experience:
- Sounds when braking.
- Vibrations.
- Reduced braking performance.
- An unusual feeling in the pedal.
The earlier you react, the cheaper it typically is to fix.
Why it's important to act in time
Ignoring worn brakes can lead to:
- Expensive repairs.
- Damage to the brake discs.
- Reduced safety.
- Risk of accidents.
Regular checks and maintenance make sure your car brakes as it should, every time.
Get your brakes checked in time
Not sure if your brakes are worn? It's always better to get them checked once too often than once too few.
At MH Autoteknik Aps we help with checking, maintaining, and replacing brakes, so you can keep driving safely. Also read more about brake service or get help with a pre-inspection check if your car is due for inspection soon.