Close-up on a vehicle's brake

Common Warning Signs of Vehicle Brake Failure

How Can Drivers Tell If Their Vehicle’s Brakes Are Going Bad?

While every type of vehicle maintenance is important, the health of your vehicle’s brakes should always be near the top of the list in terms of priority. How can drivers tell if their vehicle’s brakes are going bad? Learn more about the common warning signs of vehicle brake failure and when to take your vehicle in for service down below.


Read More: Shop for Pre-Owned Ford Vehicles at Tacoma, WA


Vehicles tend to show several different signs of failure when a mechanical component starts to wear out. This is especially true of the brakes, which often display several signs of degradation before they go out completely. To mitigate the risk of brake failure, drivers who believe their brakes are starting to degrade should take their vehicle in for service as soon as they can.

The most common indicator of a vehicle’s brakes being faulty is the activation of the dashboard brake light. However, an active brake light isn’t necessarily a red flag in all cases. It may mean that the vehicle’s due for an inspection or that the parking brake is currently engaged. In some cases, your brakes may be experiencing a problem that isn’t noticed by your vehicle’s internal systems, which means the brake light won’t activate at all.

Other Signs of Failing Brakes

Other common warning signs include grinding or squeaking noises, the vehicle pulling to one side when braking, leaking fluid, the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy and a chemical odor coming from your brakes.

close up of a brake pad spinning

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