Diagnostics
8 signs your brakes need attention
Brakes are the most safety-critical system. Know the warning signs before a problem becomes expensive.
📅 Aug 17, 2026
✔ Free guide
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The warning signs
- Squealing when braking (wear indicator)
- Grinding or scraping noise
- Soft or spongy brake pedal
- Pedal sinks to the floor
- Vibration or judder under braking
- Car pulls to one side
- Brake warning light on the dash
- Visible low fluid or a leak at a wheel
What each sign usually means
- Squeal: pads near the limit
- Grind: pads gone — discs at risk
- Spongy pedal: air or low fluid
- Sinking pedal: fluid leak
- Judder: disc run-out
- Pulling: stuck caliper or uneven wear
If any of these appear
Have the brakes inspected as soon as possible. Most brake work is inexpensive compared to the cost of an accident — or of replacing discs after a pad grinds down to metal.
Questions about this guide
Pads typically last 30,000–50,000 km, discs longer. Inspect at every tire change and flush the fluid every 2 years.