Car repair A world to learn
Although brake pads are designed to scrape and squeal when they have worn down (alerting you to the need for maintenance), they are not the only warning sign that your brakes need attention. You should check your brake fluid levels when your brake light goes on; this typically indicates that your fluid is low and your brakes should be checked over by a certified technician. Seeing or smelling brake fluid indicates the presence of a leak that should be checked immediately. A vibrating wheel or brake pedal usually points to rotor surface issues and brakes that continue to squeal after you release the brake pedal means that the wear indicators are scraping against the rotors. The grinding or growling of metal on metal means, of course, that the pads are completely worn away.