5 Signs Your Brakes Need Service

Your brakes are arguably the most critical safety system in your vehicle. When they're working properly, you probably don't think about them much. But when problems develop, they can quickly become dangerous.

1. Squealing, Squeaking, or Grinding Noises

What You'll Hear

• High-pitched squealing: Usually indicates worn brake pads with wear indicators
• Grinding or scraping: A more serious sign that pads are completely worn
• Squeaking when wet: Often normal, but persistent squeaking needs attention

What It Means

Most brake pads have built-in wear indicators—small metal tabs designed to make contact with the rotor when the pad material gets too thin. This creates an intentional squealing sound to alert you.

If you hear grinding, the pads may be completely worn, allowing metal to grind against metal. This can cause expensive rotor damage if not addressed quickly.

2. Vibration or Pulsation When Braking

What You'll Feel

• Steering wheel shaking or vibrating when braking
• Brake pedal pulsing up and down
• Whole vehicle shuddering during braking

What It Means

Vibration usually indicates warped brake rotors. Rotors can warp from:

• Excessive heat from heavy braking
• Uneven brake pad wear
• Improperly torqued lug nuts
• Age and normal wear

Warped rotors prevent even contact with brake pads, reducing braking efficiency and creating that pulsing sensation.

3. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal

What You'll Feel

• Brake pedal feels soft or "mushy"
• Pedal sinks toward the floor when pressed
• Need to press pedal further than usual
• Pedal feels like it has less resistance

What It Means

A spongy brake pedal often indicates:

• Air in the brake lines: Usually from a leak or recent brake work
• Brake fluid leak: Could be from lines, calipers, or master cylinder
• Worn brake pads: Advanced wear affecting pedal feel
• Master cylinder issues: Internal leaks or mechanical failure

4. Vehicle Pulling to One Side

What You'll Notice

• Car drifts left or right when braking
• Need to steer to compensate during braking
• Uneven stopping force between left and right

What It Means

When your vehicle pulls to one side during braking, it typically means:

• Stuck caliper: One brake applying more force than the other
• Uneven brake pad wear: Different friction levels left to right
• Collapsed brake hose: Restricting fluid flow to one side
• Contaminated brake pads: Oil or brake fluid on pad surface

Note: If your vehicle pulls to one side even when not braking, this might be an alignment issue rather than a brake problem.

5. Burning Smell or Brake Warning Light

Burning Smell

If you smell a sharp, chemical odor after heavy braking or while driving, your brakes may be overheating. This can happen from:

• Riding the brakes on long downhill descents
• Stuck caliper causing constant friction
• Parking brake left partially engaged
• Extremely worn brake pads

Warning Light

The brake warning light on your dashboard indicates:

• Low brake fluid: Could indicate a leak or worn pads
• Parking brake engaged: Make sure it's fully released
• ABS system problem: Requires diagnostic scan
• Brake system malfunction: Needs immediate attention

How Often Should Brakes Be Inspected?

Even without obvious symptoms, brakes should be inspected:

• At least once per year
• Every 12,000-15,000 miles
• During tire rotations or oil changes
• Before long road trips

Don't Ignore These Signs

Brake problems rarely fix themselves and almost always get worse over time. What starts as a minor issue can quickly become:

• More expensive (replacing rotors instead of just pads)
• More dangerous (longer stopping distances)
• Potentially catastrophic (complete brake failure)

When you notice any of these warning signs, schedule a brake inspection as soon as possible. Your safety and the safety of others on the road depend on properly functioning brakes.