Recognizing the warning signs of worn brake pads is crucial for preventing more costly damage and, more importantly, ensuring your safety. Ignoring these indicators can lead to extended stopping distances, damage to rotors, and even brake failure.

• Squealing or Grinding Noises: A high-pitched squeal often indicates the wear indicators on your brake pads are touching the rotor. A grinding sound means the pads are severely worn, and metal-on-metal contact is occurring, which can damage rotors.

• Vibrations When Braking: If you feel a pulsation or vibration through the brake pedal or steering wheel, it might indicate warped rotors, often caused by excessively worn pads generating too much heat or uneven braking.

• Longer Stopping Distances: Your car takes longer to come to a complete stop than usual, signaling reduced friction from worn pads.

• Pulling to One Side: If your vehicle pulls to the left or right when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign of uneven pad wear or a caliper issue.

• Brake Pedal Feels Soft or Low: A spongy or low brake pedal can indicate air in the brake lines, low fluid, or critically worn pads that require more pedal travel.

• Visible Inspection: Visually checking your brake pads (if accessible) may reveal they are less than a quarter-inch thick. Some vehicles also have a brake wear warning light on the dashboard.