Your car’s brakes are its most important safety feature. However, many drivers overlook brake wear until something goes seriously wrong. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, brake-related problems are a factor in about 22% of car crashes annually. That’s an alarming number of accidents that could have been prevented with simple brake maintenance. Knowing when your brakes need attention could save your life and costly repair bills. Let’s walk through what you need to watch out for.

Most cars use two types of brakes: disc and drum. Disc brakes have pads of different materials that press against a spinning metal disc. You’ll usually find disc brakes on the front wheels of modern vehicles, and many newer cars have them on all four. Drum brakes work a bit differently. They use curved shoes that push outward against a rotating drum. Nowadays, drum brakes usually only appear on rear wheels if used at all. No matter which type you have, brake pads and shoes wear out every time you brake. Regular checks help keep your brakes working well and prevent the need to replace more expensive parts like rotors or drums.

Picking up on brake problems early saves money and keeps you safer. Cars will send you signals when the brakes start to go bad. Here are the seven common warning signs:

That high-pitched squeal you hear when you brake is often a built-in safety feature. Many brake pads have a small metal tab called a wear indicator. When the pads get too thin, this tab scrapes against the rotor, making a loud, annoying noise. It’s your car’s way of telling you it’s time for new pads. Sometimes rain or morning dew can cause temporary squeaking, but if it sticks around, check your brakes.

If a squeal is a warning, a grinding sound is an emergency. This deep, metallic growl means your brake pads are completely worn out. The metal backing of the pad is now grinding against the metal rotor. This causes serious damage quickly and makes it harder to stop. If you hear grinding, get your brakes checked immediately.

Do you feel the brake pedal or steering wheel shake when you stop? Warped rotors can cause this vibration. Brakes generate a lot of heat, causing the rotors to become uneven over time. This creates a pulsing feeling as the pads press against the irregular surface. Fixing this issue usually means resurfacing or replacing the rotors.

Your brake pedal should feel firm and responsive when you step on it. Something may be wrong if it feels soft, squishy, or sinks to the floor. Air in the brake lines or old fluid could be the reason. This makes it much harder to stop on your way to the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds.

Does your car pull left or right when you brake? This is often caused by a stuck brake caliper or unevenly worn pads. This imbalance makes your car harder to control, which is risky if you need to stop fast on I-77. Let a professional technician diagnose the exact cause.

This one’s scary because it sneaks up on you. If you’re pressing the brake earlier or harder than you used to, your stopping distance has increased. Worn pads are usually the culprit, but it could also be leaking fluid or other issues.

Modern cars have sensors that watch the brake system. When something’s off, you’ll see a warning light. An illuminated ABS (anti-lock braking system) light or a general brake warning light means the car’s computer has detected a problem. Never ignore these lights. They are a direct signal that your brake system needs immediate attention.

When you bring your vehicle to our service center, we do a complete check of your brake system. We start with a detailed visual inspection. We inspect the brake pad thickness and check the rotors for deep grooves or damage. We also scan for leaks around the master cylinder, hoses, and calipers. After that, our tech measures the pads using special tools and compares them to the manufacturer’s standards. We also check the brake fluid’s level and color. Dark or dirty fluid can be less effective and may need to be flushed. Finally, we road test your vehicle. This lets our technicians feel how the brakes perform, listen for unusual sounds, and confirm any issues you’ve raised.

Putting off brake service can have serious consequences:

Complete brake failure: In the worst cases, neglected brakes can fail. You might have little to no stopping power. More expensive repairs: Worn pads that go unchanged will damage your rotors. What should have been a $300 pad replacement becomes an $800 job that includes new rotors. Accident risk: Bad brakes mean longer stopping distances. That split second you lose could be the difference between stopping safely and hitting the car in front of you. Legal issues: If you know your brakes are bad and you cause an accident, you could face serious liability. Some states will even fine you for operating an unsafe vehicle.

It’s a good idea to have your brakes checked every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, or at least once a year. Many people get this done during their regular oil change. However, if you notice any of the warning signs discussed here, don’t wait. Schedule service right away. For best results, let a trained Nissan tech check your brakes before heading out to Dover Dam.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs or just want peace of mind, we can help. Our certified technicians are here to give your vehicle a thorough inspection. To get started, schedule brake service with our team today. You can also call us to inquire about our service specials for current offers.