Key Takeaways

In this post, we’ll cover 10 early warning signs that you need new brakes on your vehicle.

• Visible wear and tear
• Screeching noises when you brake
• Vibrating when braking
• Delayed stopping when you brake
• Screeching even after replacing the pads
• Vibrating pedal or steering wheel
• Pulling in one direction
• Driveway puddle
• Brake warning lights
• Heavy grinding or squealing

Safety should always be your top priority when it comes to your car, and one of the most important safety features on your vehicle is its brakes. Generally, brake pads need replacing every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, while braking rotors every 30,000 to 70,000 miles depending on the quality. If you experience any signs that hint that something may be wrong with your brakes, it’s essential to get them checked out as soon as possible.

Here are 10 early warning signs that you may need new brakes:

Wear and Tear You Can See

When you inspect your brakes, there should be a uniform thickness for the brake pads. If one side of the pad is visibly thinner than the other, this could indicate that one side is doing all of the work and needs to be replaced. You can also look for any signs of corrosion or rust on the rotors. Less than a quarter of an inch of brake pads is a good reason to replace them. If you have no idea what and where to check, take your car to a mechanic and they will be able to assess the situation.

Screeching Noises When You Brake

When you press down on the brakes, do you hear an awful screeching or grinding noise? If so, this is a sign of metal-on-metal contact and your brakes need to be replaced soon. Your brake pads have built-in sensors that will emit this sound when the pads are worn down. This is meant to warn you to take action and get them replaced as soon as possible.

Vibrating When Braking

If you experience vibration or pulsation when you brake, it could be a sign of warped rotors. This is especially true if the vibration only occurs when braking, and not while driving at higher speeds. Warped rotors affect your ability to stop quickly and safely, so you want to replace them as soon as possible.

Delayed Stopping When You Brake

If your vehicle takes longer than usual to come to a stop, this could be another sign that you need brakes. This can be caused by worn a leak in the brake system, which causes the brakes to not function as efficiently. You should have your vehicle checked by a mechanic right away and have any necessary repairs made.

Screeching Even After Replacing the Pads

If you’ve recently had your brake pads replaced but are still hearing a screeching noise when you brake, this could be an indication that the rotors need to be replaced as well. Regularly replacing your brake pads should prevent any further damage to the rotors, so if you hear a screeching noise it’s important to have them inspected right away.

Vibrating Pedal or Steering Wheel

If your brake pedal is vibrating or shaking when you press it, this could mean there is an issue with the calipers. Calipers are responsible for holding and releasing the brake pads to engage the brakes, so if they’re faulty it can affect how the vehicle responds when braking. Additionally, if your steering wheel is vibrating when you press the brakes then this could mean there’s an issue with the calipers or rotors.

Pulling in One Direction

If your car is pulling to one side when you brake, then this likely indicates an issue with the braking system. The brake calipers or rotors can become warped due to wear and tear, leading to uneven braking performance. This can also be indicative of air bubbles in the brake lines, which can cause a soft feeling when pressing the brakes.

Driveway Puddle

If you are noticing a puddle of fluid underneath your vehicle when parked in the driveway, then this is likely due to a leak in the brake system. This can happen as a result of regular wear and tear on the hoses or seals associated with the brakes, which should be inspected and replaced if necessary.

Brake Warning Lights

Modern vehicles have brake warning lights that can alert you to an issue with the brakes. This could be due to low levels of brake fluid, or a more serious problem like uneven braking pressure. It’s important to pay attention to these indicators and address them as soon as possible, otherwise, it could lead to further damage down the line.

Heavy Grinding or Squealing

If you begin to notice some heavy grinding or squealing when using the brakes, this could be a sign that they are beyond their useful life. You should try to replace your brakes as soon as possible, instead of waiting until it becomes more serious and expensive.

Work With Experienced Mechanics at Eastern Shore Hyundai

Being able to identify the signs of when your brakes need to be replaced is just one piece of the puzzle. Knowing when and how to replace them is another. Luckily, at Eastern Shore Hyundai, you have access to experienced mechanics that can help you with any brake-related issues. Our certified technicians specialize in both brake repair and replacement, so you can trust that your brakes are in good hands. With our years of experience, we can determine exactly what type of brake system is best for you and your vehicle. So if you’re noticing any warning signs that your brakes need to be replaced or repaired, don’t hesitate to book an appointment at Eastern Shore Hyundai.