7 Early Warning Signs You Need New Brakes

Your car’s brakes are one of its most essential safety features, and keeping them in good condition is crucial for safe driving.

Knowing when your brakes are starting to wear out can help you avoid more expensive repairs and, more importantly, prevent accidents.

Fortunately, your car will often give you warning signs that it’s time to check or replace the brakes.

For convenient and reliable brake inspections, consider Mobile Tyre Surgeons (MTS). Their expert technicians come directly to your location to diagnose and repair your brakes, ensuring you stay safe on the road.

In this guide, we’ll go over the seven early warning signs that you need new brakes to keep your vehicle in top shape and ensure your safety on the road.

1. Squeaking or Squealing Noises
   One of the most common early signs of worn-out brakes is a squeaking or squealing noise when you press the brake pedal. This sound usually comes from the brake pads, which are equipped with wear indicators that produce a high-pitched noise when they get too thin.

What It Means: If you hear a squealing noise, it’s a sign that your brake pads are wearing down and need to be inspected. Ignoring this sound could lead to more severe brake problems, including damage to the brake rotors.

What to Do: Have a mechanic inspect your brakes to see if the pads need replacing before the problem worsens.

2. Grinding Sound
   If you hear a grinding sound when you brake, it’s a more serious warning that your brake pads may be completely worn out. When the pads wear down to the metal, the metal parts of the caliper and rotor begin to rub together, causing the grinding sound.

What It Means: This grinding noise indicates that your brake pads are gone, and the exposed metal is damaging your brake rotors. This not only reduces braking efficiency but can also lead to costly repairs.

What to Do: Get your brakes checked immediately. If the brake rotors are damaged, they might need to be resurfaced or replaced along with the brake pads.

3. Vibration or Pulsating Brake Pedal
   If your brake pedal vibrates or pulses when you press it, especially during hard braking, it’s a sign of warped brake rotors. Rotors can become uneven over time due to heat generated by braking, which causes them to wear down unevenly.

What It Means: A pulsating or vibrating brake pedal usually means the rotors are no longer smooth, which can affect your vehicle’s braking performance.

What to Do: Have a mechanic check your brake system to determine whether the rotors need resurfacing or replacement. In some cases, new rotors may be required if they are too worn to be repaired.

4. Brake Warning Light
   Most modern vehicles are equipped with a dashboard brake warning light that illuminates when there’s an issue with the brake system. This light can signal a range of problems, from low brake fluid to worn brake pads or issues with the ABS (anti-lock braking system).

What It Means: If the brake warning light comes on, it’s essential to get your brakes checked as soon as possible. Ignoring it could lead to serious brake failures.

What to Do: Check your car’s manual to see what the warning light indicates and have your brakes inspected by a professional. If the light stays on, do not delay in getting your car serviced.

5. Car Pulling to One Side When Braking
   If your car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it’s a sign that something is wrong with the brake system. This issue is often caused by uneven brake pad wear, a stuck brake caliper, or a brake fluid leak.

What It Means: Uneven braking forces on the front wheels can cause the car to pull to one side, making it difficult to control your vehicle and potentially dangerous in an emergency situation.

What to Do: Have your brakes checked by a mechanic to find out if the brake pads need replacing or if there is an issue with the brake calipers or brake fluid levels.

6. Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal
   If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy when you press it, this is a serious sign of brake trouble. A soft pedal could indicate air in the brake lines, a brake fluid leak, or problems with the master cylinder.

What It Means: Air in the brake lines or a brake fluid leak can significantly reduce your car’s braking power, making it harder to stop the vehicle. This can be extremely dangerous, especially in emergency braking situations.

What to Do: If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy, don’t wait to get it checked. Low brake fluid levels or air in the lines must be addressed immediately to ensure the brakes are functioning properly.

7. Burning Smell While Driving
   A strong, burning smell coming from your wheels after braking can indicate overheated brakes or brake fluid. This typically happens when your brakes are used too aggressively or if your parking brake is left on while driving.

What It Means: Overheating can cause brake fluid to boil, which may lead to brake failure. In some cases, it can also damage your brake pads and rotors.

What to Do: If you notice a burning smell, pull over immediately and allow your brakes to cool down. If the smell persists, have your car inspected by a mechanic to prevent further damage.

Conclusion
Your car’s braking system is crucial for your safety, so it’s important to stay alert to these early warning signs of wear and tear. From squeaking noises to a soft brake pedal, knowing when to get your brakes checked or replaced can help you avoid dangerous situations and costly repairs down the road.