Most drivers know to worry about a squealing noise, but brake wear shows up in other ways first. Catching these early usually means a simpler, cheaper repair. A soft or spongy pedal often points to air in the brake lines or worn fluid, not the pads themselves. Pulling to one side under braking can mean an uneven caliper or a stuck slide pin. A pulsing sensation in the pedal at highway speed usually means a warped rotor. Grinding — as opposed to squealing — means the pads are already gone and metal is contacting metal, which is the one on this list you should not wait on. If you notice any of these, get it looked at within a week or two. None of them are emergencies on day one, but all of them get more expensive the longer they run.
Leave a Reply