Brakes: how to spot wear and what to watch
Brakes are your primary safety system. Most wear happens quietly, until stopping distances increase or noise appears.
What causes brake wear
- City driving and frequent braking
- Vehicle weight and load
- Aggressive driving
- Rust from long periods of standing
Common warning signs
- Squealing or grinding noises
- Steering wheel or pedal vibration
- Longer stopping distances
- Soft or inconsistent brake pedal
Tip: cars that sit a lot can develop rotor rust even with thick pads,
reducing braking performance.
What to check during service
- Pad thickness (inner pads often wear faster)
- Rotor surface and edge
- Caliper movement
- Brake fluid condition
Common mistakes
- Replacing pads only while rotors are below spec
- Cheap pads causing noise and faster wear
- Ignoring brake fluid service
Log brake work and mileage
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