5 Signs Your Brakes Need Attention

Your brakes are the most important safety feature on your vehicle. Recognising when they need attention can prevent accidents and save you money on costly repairs. Here are five warning signs you shouldn't ignore.

If you hear high-pitched squealing when braking, it's often a sign that your brake pads are wearing thin. Many modern brake pads have a built-in wear indicator - a small metal tab that creates this noise when the pad material gets low.

Grinding noises are more serious. They usually mean the pads are completely worn and metal is rubbing directly on metal. This can damage your brake discs, turning a £80 brake pad replacement into a £200+ job including new discs.

If your steering wheel or brake pedal vibrates when you apply the brakes, especially at higher speeds, your brake discs are likely warped. This can happen due to:

• ▸Overheating from heavy braking
• ▸Age and general wear
• ▸Incorrect torque when wheels were fitted
• ▸Poor quality replacement parts

Warped discs need to be replaced - they can't be safely machined down on modern vehicles.

A brake pedal that feels soft, spongy, or goes closer to the floor than usual could indicate several issues:

• ▸Air in the brake lines (from recent work or a leak)
• ▸Worn brake pads (less material means more pedal travel)
• ▸Brake fluid leak
• ▸Worn master cylinder

This is a serious safety issue that needs immediate attention. If your pedal goes to the floor, don't drive the vehicle.

If your car pulls to the left or right when braking, it could be caused by:

• ▸Uneven brake pad wear on one side
• ▸A stuck or seized brake caliper
• ▸Contaminated brake pads (oil or brake fluid)
• ▸Worn suspension components

This not only affects your stopping distance but can be dangerous in emergency situations, especially on wet roads.

Modern cars have sensors that detect brake system issues. If your brake warning light comes on, it could indicate:

• ▸Low brake fluid level
• ▸Worn brake pads (on newer vehicles)
• ▸ABS system fault
• ▸Handbrake still engaged (check this first!)

Never ignore the brake warning light. Even if the brakes feel fine, there's an underlying issue that needs diagnosis.

If you notice any of these signs, book an inspection as soon as possible. I offer free brake checks where I'll:

• ▸Measure your pad thickness on all four wheels
• ▸Check disc condition and thickness
• ▸Inspect brake lines for leaks
• ▸Test brake fluid condition
• ▸Give you honest advice on what needs doing now vs what can wait

To keep your brakes in good condition:

• ▸Have them inspected annually
• ▸Don't ride the brakes going downhill
• ▸Get your brake fluid changed every 2-3 years
• ▸Don't ignore early warning signs

Remember: your brakes aren't something to compromise on. Regular inspections can catch problems early, keep you safe, and save you money in the long run.