Five Early Warning Signs You Need New Brakes

It’s the start of a new year, which unfortunately means your car is officially one model year older and needier. But by remaining vigilant for any potential warning signs, you can stay one step ahead of costly repairs this year. Plus, spotting these red flags early on and taking prompt action can significantly prolong the lifespan of your vehicle.

First up: determining if you’ll need new brakes in 2024. Courtesy of Community Chevrolet, here are five early signals that your brakes might be calling for your help. (Hint: it sounds like screeching.)

High-Pitched Screeching 

Often, you’ll hear brake problems before you see or feel them. This is usually due to a high-pitched screeching sound that emits from your brake pads when they start to wear thin. However, it’s important to note that the screeching isn’t directly caused by worn-out brakes. Car manufacturers deliberately include a small metal piece in the brake pads to serve as an indicator, signaling the need for replacement.

If the squealing sounds continue despite new brake pads, your rotors are the next thing that need inspecting, as they may have glazed. This occurs when metal heats up and burns due to excessive braking. Check your rotors for blue marks or a dark ring; either could indicate that the rotors also need replacement. 

If you start hearing a loud, metallic grinding sound instead of the screeching noise, it’s a sign that your brake pads are completely worn out and need to be replaced as soon as possible. Immediately take your car in for service, as leaving your car in this position could potentially pose safety risks.

The Eye Test 

Sometimes it’s best not to overanalyze things. If you notice any visible issues with your brake pads, chances are there’s a problem. The brake pads can be found between the wheel spokes, pressed against the rotors. Take their measurements, and if they’re thinner than a quarter of an inch, it might be a good idea to schedule your service appointment with us at Community Chevy.

Performance Anomalies

When your brakes stop responding as quickly as they should, it may be a sign of a leak in your braking system. If your brakes are sending out vibrations (the kind that causes your steering wheel to shake, not the Beach Boys kind), either the brake pads or rotors need replacing. 

Your brakes regularly send signals like these to alert you about their condition. The better you become at understanding your vehicle, the easier it becomes to evaluate abnormal performance, determine the reasons behind it, and address it swiftly.

Extreme Sensitivity 

You might start your Chevy Suburban today only to find your brakes unusually sensitive, jerking you to a halt at the slightest tap of the brake pad. This could be due to the rotors wearing down unevenly, or the brake fluid needing a replacement. 

On the other hand, it becomes problematic when your brakes lack sensitivity and require excessive pressure to engage. This might indicate low brake fluid, worn-out brake pads, or even suggest an issue with your car’s hydraulic system.

Puddle of Doom 

The last thing you want to see on a bright, sunny day is a puddle formed beneath your idle car. Unless it’s residue from a forgotten overnight storm, it’s most likely your brake fluid dripping out of your car after a leak. You should be able to tell the difference between regular motor oil and brake fluid, which is notably thinner. 

Take a Break From It All

Life is full of starts and stops… but you should still have some control over when they occur. Don’t leave your fate to the whims of faulty brake pads or rotors. Visit us at Community Chevrolet today, where we never put the brakes on a good deal. With our inventory of new and used vehicles at your disposal, you’re sure to find the car, truck, or SUV that pulls out all the stops. 

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