Brake warning signs you shouldn't ignore
By LSG Auto Nation · · Updated
Short answer
Get your brakes checked if they squeal, grind or feel soft. Do the same if the car pulls to one side or shakes when you stop, or if the brake warning light comes on. Grinding, a pedal that sinks toward the floor and a warning light mean your car may not stop properly, so get those looked at right away.
Brakes wear out slowly, so it’s easy to get used to a new noise or a softer pedal. But catching problems early keeps you safe and usually costs less. Pads that are left too long can damage other brake parts, and a simple job becomes a bigger bill.
How your brakes work, in one minute
When you press the pedal, brake fluid pushes on a clamp at each wheel, called a caliper. The caliper squeezes two brake pads against a metal disc, called a rotor, that spins with the wheel. That squeeze is what slows the car down. The pads are made to wear away over time, so they’re the brake part you’ll replace most often.
What do different brake noises mean?
| What you hear or feel | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A squeal when you brake | The pads are getting thin. Many have a small metal tab that squeals to warn you | Book a check soon |
| Grinding or scraping | The pads are worn through, and metal is rubbing on the rotor | Get it checked right away |
| Shaking or pulsing when you stop | The rotors have worn unevenly | Book a check soon |
| Clicking | A pad or a clip has come loose | Book a check |
What if the brake pedal feels different?
- Soft or spongy: there may be air or water in the brake fluid, or a small leak.
- Sinks toward the floor: there may be a leak, or a problem with the master cylinder, the part that pushes fluid to the brakes. Don’t keep driving. Get it checked right away.
- Hard to push: the brake booster, the part that makes the pedal easy to press, may be failing.
Why does my car pull to one side when I brake?
Usually because one side is braking harder than the other. A brake that’s sticking, a damaged brake hose or pads that have worn unevenly can all cause it. Worn steering or suspension parts can too. It’s worth checking either way, because it makes the car harder to control in a sudden stop.
How often should brakes be checked?
At least once a year, and any time you notice one of the signs above. Steep hills, mountain driving and winter road salt are all hard on brakes, so cars in the BC Interior may need them checked more often. Brake fluid also needs replacing every few years, and your owner’s manual tells you when.
Don’t wait on these
Grinding, a pedal that sinks, or a red brake warning light all mean your car may not stop as well as it should. Book a check as soon as you can. At LSG Auto Nation, we check the pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines and fluid at every wheel, and give you a price before any work begins. See brake repair for details.