A high-pitched squeal
Many brake pads have a small metal wear indicator that squeals when the pad gets thin. That's your early warning to book a brake check.
A squeal on the first few stops on a damp morning, that goes away, is often just surface rust on the rotors, which is normal in Toronto.
Grinding
Grinding usually means the pad material is worn through and the metal backing is scraping the rotor. That damages the rotor quickly and makes the car stop worse. Book as soon as you can, and drive as little as possible until then.
Grinding can also be a stone caught between the rotor and the shield, which is a quick fix.
Other brake warning signs
- A soft or sinking pedal
- The car pulls to one side when you brake
- A pulsing pedal or a shaking steering wheel when you slow down
- A brake warning light on the dash
- A burning smell after driving, which can be a sticking caliper
What a brake job costs here
Front brake pads are $150 & up and rear brake pads are $150 & up, parts included. Pads with rotors are quoted per vehicle. We inspect first and confirm the price before any work begins.