How to spot worn brakes

Learn the difference between normal wear and worn out.

Your brake pads or shoes are designed to keep the metal of your calipers from grinding against — and damaging — the metal of your rotors. The more you use your brakes, the faster they wear out. This is not a built-in flaw, but the result of normal, safe brake wear. Here’s how to tell when your brakes need to be replaced:

• Squeaking or grinding
• A burning odor
• A hard to press or “squishy” pedal
• Shuddering or vibration in your steering wheel
• Rusting or flaking in your brakes or rotors
• Your brake system warning light goes on

Source: Owner’s manual