Brake It Down: Signs Your Brakes Are Begging for Help
Signs of bad brakes, how to check car brakes, squeaky brakes, grinding noise when braking, brake repair symptoms
7/15/20251 min read
Brakes: the MVP of not crashing. But how do you know when they’re tired, sad, or ready to retire? Here’s how to tell if your brakes are just squeaky... or screaming for help.
Body:
Squeaking – Could be dust. Could be danger. If it’s persistent, get ‘em checked.
Grinding – Metal-on-metal? Nope, nope, nope. Pads might be gone.
Vibration – Your pedal should not double as a massage tool. Might be warped rotors.
Pulling Left or Right – You’re not steering a boat. This could signal uneven wear or a stuck caliper.
Dashboard Light – If your brake warning is glowing like a Christmas light, don’t ignore it.
Insight:
Instead of saying “I don’t know anything about brakes,” reframe it: “I’m learning how to listen to my car.” You’re already smarter for reading this.