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7 Signs Your Brakes Need Attention

Your car will often provide clear signals when the braking system needs professional attention, it doesn’t always mean your brakes need replacing it could mean your breaking system needs a repair. Ignoring these can compromise your safety and the performance of your vehicle.

1. A High-Pitched Squeal or Screeching Noise

Screeching Brakes

Here are the most common signs that it’s time to book a brake inspection.

This is often the very first indication that your brake pads are getting low. Most pads are manufactured with a small metal component called a “wear indicator.”

When the pad material wears down to a certain level, this indicator makes contact with the metal brake disc, creating a distinct, high-pitched squeal when you apply the brakes.

Think of it as your car’s built-in alarm system telling you it’s time for a check-up.

2. A Deep, Grinding Sound

If the squealing is ignored, it can develop into a much harsher, grinding noise. This is a more serious warning. It usually means the brake pad material has worn away completely and the metal backing plate of the pad is now grinding directly against the brake disc.

This metal-on-metal contact can quickly cause significant damage to the discs, turning a routine pad replacement into a more costly repair.

If you hear this, you should seek professional advice immediately.

3. A “Spongy” or Unusually Soft Brake Pedal

Your brake pedal should feel firm and responsive. If it starts to feel soft, “spongy,” or travels further towards the floor than usual before the brakes engage, it’s a classic sign of a problem within the hydraulic system. This could be caused by air or moisture in the brake lines or, more seriously, a brake fluid leak. As your braking system relies on hydraulic pressure to function, a spongy pedal indicates a loss of that pressure and is a critical safety issue that needs immediate attention.

4. The Car Pulls to One Side When Braking

Grinding Brakes

When you apply the brakes, your vehicle should slow down in a straight, controlled line. If you feel the car consistently pulling to the left or right, it’s a sign of an imbalance in the braking system. This often points to a sticking brake caliper on one side or unevenly worn brake pads. It means braking force isn’t being distributed equally, which can be dangerous, especially during emergency braking.

5. Vibrations or a Pulsating Feeling

If you can feel a juddering or pulsing sensation through the steering wheel or the brake pedal itself when you brake, it often indicates a problem with the brake discs. Over time, the intense heat generated during braking can cause the flat surface of the disc to warp or wear unevenly. The vibration you feel is the brake pads grabbing onto this inconsistent surface. While it may start as a minor annoyance, it can affect braking performance over time.

6. Visible Fluid Leaks

Keep an eye out for small puddles of fluid on the ground where you park. Brake fluid is typically clear to yellowish-brown. A leak from a brake line or caliper can lead to a loss of the hydraulic pressure needed to operate your brakes effectively.

You can also check the brake fluid reservoir under the bonnet; if it’s low or needs constant topping up, there is likely a leak somewhere in the system that needs to be found and fixed.

7. The Brake Warning Light is On

The most obvious sign of all is also one you must never ignore. A red or yellow warning light on your dashboard is a direct message from your car’s onboard computer that it has detected a fault in the braking system.

The light could indicate anything from low brake fluid to an issue with the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Check your owner’s manual and have the vehicle professionally diagnosed as soon as possible.

Our Professional Brake Service

Brake Service

A comprehensive brake check at Volksmaster is a thorough and meticulous process. Our experienced technicians will conduct a full inspection to pinpoint any issues, which includes:

• Measuring the thickness and assessing the condition of your brake pads and discs.
• Checking for leaks in all brake lines, hoses and the master cylinder.
• Examining the operation of the brake calipers to ensure they are not sticking or seized.
• Testing the brake fluid for its moisture content and ensuring it is at the correct level.

Once our inspection is complete, we will provide you with a clear, straightforward explanation of our findings and a no-obligation quote for any necessary work. We only use high-quality, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or equivalent parts to ensure your vehicle’s safety and performance are never compromised.

Why Choose Volksmaster?

While we are renowned as VAG specialists for Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, and Škoda, our expertise doesn’t stop there. Our highly skilled technicians have the experience and state-of-the-art equipment to service and repair the brakes on all makes and models with the same precision and commitment to quality.

For over 30 years, Volksmaster has been a family-run business built on a foundation of honesty, transparency and first-class customer service.

With four branches in Greater Manchester in Oldham, Bury and Heywood, you’re never far from a friendly, trusted Volksmaster technician.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above or simply want the peace of mind that comes with a professional brake check, contact your local Volksmaster branch today. Let our family help keep yours safe on the road.

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