Although they are often overlooked in routine maintenance, your vehicle’s brakes are critical to road safety. They certainly last a long time and mileage, but will eventually wear out. Catching a problem early on will save you money and grief down the road by avoiding damage to more expensive parts of your vehicle – or the vehicle itself.

Here are some common warning signs to watch out for:

High-pitched squeaking noises

This is one of the most obvious indicators for brake replacement. Many brake pads have a squealing component – a small piece of metal beneath the friction – that acts as a wear indicator for when the pad is almost worn out. If you hear such a sound and haven’t replaced your pads for a while, it’s probably a good idea to do so soon.

Grinding noises

These occur when the brake pads are worn out completely, and the bare metal of the backing plate is directly contacting the rotor. When this happens, you will probably need to replace both the pads and the rotors, as such contact generally destroys the rotor at minimum.

Vibrations

Brakes that are failing will often vibrate or pulse upon application. Worn or corroded brake rotors or drums will cause this issue, especially after a long period of disuse. Sometimes, this could also be because the rotors are warped. In either case, it is recommended to get service for the vehicle.

Increased stopping distance

If your vehicle is consistently taking longer than normal to come to a complete stop, you may be low on brake fluid, or there may be a malfunction with your rotors or calipers. If your brake pedal is feeling soft or mushy, it could be a good time to flush the brake fluid (“bleed the brakes”).

Vehicle drifting

If your vehicle drifts to the left or right when driving, this could mean one of the calipers or wheel cylinders is seized. This is a serious safety concern, especially when you need to make an emergency stop.

Brake warning light

A warning light on your dashboard lets you know that something is seriously wrong. The most common causes include low fluid, worn pads, burst brake line, hydraulic failure, or the parking/emergency brake failing to release.

Even though you may feel your brake light flashes all the time and can or should be ignored, having your brakes inspected is nevertheless vital to safety. If the light is the issue, ask the technician to look at the light. Being able to rely on warning lights is key to avoiding more dangerous or expensive problems down the line.

Brake Maintenance

If you notice any issues, plan to address them immediately via a professional inspection from an experienced mechanic. Replacing worn or damaged brakes can also be done yourself, but it’s wise to have an expert check on your work.

Check out all the products available from Inroble from our catalogue, or ask for Inroble parts from your local auto store. Whether you're dealing with winter weather or looking for something year-round, you can count on Inroble parts to deliver the stopping power you need.