Your brakes are the most important safety-critical system fitted to your vehicle and it is essential that they are inspected regularly to ensure they remain in good working order. Brake pads wear faster than you might expect, especially with the start-stop traffic we find ourselves in the UK, but they are often one of the most neglected wear and tear items on your vehicle. Unlike tyres, you can’t always see your brake pads and as they tend to wear over time it’s easy to miss the tell-tale signs.

How to tell if your brakes need replacing

Checking your brakes to ensure they are in good condition requires your senses of sight, hearing and touch. Together, this will give you a good idea of when to replace your brakes for a smoother and safer driving experience. Your brakes may need replacing if you notice any of the following signs.

• Squealing: You may hear a squealing noise coming from the brakes this is not expected under normal driving conditions.
• Vibrations: If you feel your car vibrating as you brake, it is a sign that your brake discs might be abnormally worn or have suffered thermal damage following severe braking.
• Car pulling to one side: If your car feels like it is pulling to one side or the other while you’re braking, it could be a sign of worn out brake pads or that the calliper guide pins or piston is sticking.
• Warning light: Some cars have a warning light on the dashboard to let you know when your brakes need attention. Most sensors have the same lifespan as the brake pad, so they need to be replaced along with the brake pads.