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Most people neglect to think about their vehicle’s braking system until problems form. And even then, many of us will procrastinate before taking our cars to the repair shop (or inspecting them ourselves). That procrastination can end up costing even more money in the long run. Most problems with brakes only worsen with time. A squeal becomes a grind as the rotors begin to suffer damage. A slight pulling to one side becomes nearly unmanageable as oil pools on the pads. These and other issues should be addressed as soon as you notice them.

In this article, we’ll take a tour through the most common issues drivers experience with their vehicle’s brakes. I’ll describe squealing, pulling, clicking, and a persistent drag when pressing on the gas pedal. We’ll also take a brief look at what can cause a decline in your braking system’s ability to stop your car.

Squealing And Grinding

Squealing is usually caused by vibrations in the brake pads. Those vibrations can be caused a number of different factors, including worn or glazed pads, broken anti-rattle clips, and worn insulation shims.

Grinding usually occurs when the material on your brake pads wears down to the point where metal begins to rub on the rotors. This can damage your rotors, eventually requiring them to be replaced.

Pulling To The Left Or Right

Pulling to one side can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, one of your brake calipers may be stuck in position, leading to unbalanced friction between the pads and the rotors. Another reason pulling can happen is due to oil leaking on the pads. You might also inadvertently cause an unbalanced pull if you adjust your braking system improperly.

Clicking While Braking

If you hear a clicking noise when pressing on your brake pedal, it is likely due to worn or broken anti-rattle clips. On disc brakes, the pads do not fit securely between the calipers and rotors. For this reason, automakers install clips to help hold the pads in place. These clips are made from steel and suffer wear and tear like your car’s other parts. When they break, your pads will begin to rattle. That rattle often sounds like clicking.

Dragging On The Gas

A lot of people never use their emergency parking brakes. Over time, rust can build on the cables and cause the brake to apply a small amount of pressure. If you step on your gas pedal and feel a drag, this is likely the problem.

A Decline In Performance

If you notice that your brakes seem less responsive than they should be, there’s a good chance your pads and rotors have sustained glazing. This occurs when heat builds due to overuse (e.g. frequent panic stops). The temperature rises and cause crystallization in the pads and rotors, which reduces the friction needed to stop your vehicle.

As noted, brake problems worsen if left unresolved. You should have a mechanic check your braking system once every six months to ensure they remain in good working order.

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