If your brakes respond quickly and smoothly without making strange sounds, they're probably in good shape. But if they’re slow to respond, brake unevenly, make noise, or look worn down, it’s time to visit the mechanic as soon as possible for service.

You want to trust your brakes while driving to keep everyone safe. Unfortunately, brakes wear down over time, so it’s important to brush up on some common signs that it’s time to replace your brakes.

Jerry

, the

super app

for

car insurance

savings, is here to break down the differences between good vs. bad brakes.

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Get ahead of my car maintenance

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

How do brakes work?

Brakes use resistance, or friction, to slow your car. Brakes consist of two parts, the rotor (the large metal disc the tire fits around) and the brake. There are two kinds of brakes:

Brake drums

Brake drums are less common and usually found on older cars or back tires. This style uses shoes (a curved metal part that sits next to the rotor) to slow the vehicle.

The shoes push against the rotor when you brake, and the contact creates the resistance needed to slow the wheels.

Disc brakes

Disc brakes are the most common style of brake. This version works like a clamp and is attached to the side of the rotor. It pinches the rotor to slow the wheels.

How your brakes should perform

Knowing more about how good brakes perform can make it easier to identify bad brakes. Here are some things your car should do when braking:

The brakes respond quickly to any pressure you apply to the brake pedal—no delays or sluggish responses.

The harder you push, the harder the car should brake—the vehicle should copy the force you use to push on the brake pedal.

Smooth braking with no odd sounds—under normal conditions, the car should smoothly slow down, and you shouldn’t be able to hear the brakes.

How to tell when good brakes go bad

Fortunately, your vehicle will give you some hints if the brakes are starting to wear out and become bad. When in doubt, prioritize safety and check with a mechanic.

Here are some common signs your brakes need maintenance:

A dashboard warning light comes on. Yes, there’s a light for that. Any time a warning light on your dashboard tries to get your attention, check on your major vehicle components, including the brakes.

The brakes are slow to respond. Your vehicle should slow as soon as you push against the brake pedal. If you notice a delay, that’s not a good sign.

Uneven or jerky braking. If you notice the car pulls to one side, shudders, or slows unevenly when you brake, you’ll want to get the brakes checked.

Unusual sounds, like clicking or squealing. Brakes shouldn’t be noisy (though they can make some noise when wet). Most manufacturers add a material that creates an unpleasant screeching when it is time to change the brakes, so visit a mechanic if you begin to hear strange noises.

The foot pedal feels different. The brake pedal shouldn’t shudder or feel mushy or loose when you press it. If you notice anything unusual, get it checked.

You see cracking, discoloration, or deep grooves if you visually inspect the brake disc. If the brakes or rotor look heavily scratched, have noticeable streaks, or are discolored, they probably need to be replaced.

The brake pads look worn down. The brake pads get closer to the rotor as they wear down. You can use different methods to measure the remaining thickness, from a drinking straw to calibers. Thin pads are an indication you need your brakes replaced.

Brake fluid or hose issues. If you notice your brake fluid hoses are leaking or look damaged, you burn through your brake fluid quickly, or similar signs, get your brakes checked. You can check your brake fluid yourself if you want.

Key Takeaway Squealing and screeching are the most common signs that your brakes are wearing down, but you may also need a brake replacement if your pedal feels spongy or if you notice uneven or jerky braking.

What happens if you drive with bad brake pads?

You might be tempted to put off calling your mechanic due to a busy schedule or tight budget, but you should never ignore issues with your brakes.

Beyond making it hard to stop, bad brakes can lead to shaky or jerky movements. It will make the car harder to control and give you an unpleasant driving experience. It could even lead to an accident, which will impact your driving record, which

impacts your car insurance

rates, among other things.

Not only will your bad brakes make driving more dangerous, but they can also be costly in other ways. Brakes can damage other parts of your car as they wear down, such as the rotors.

Additionally, bad brakes will harm your tires or overheat the braking system, causing expensive damage. A routine maintenance issue can lead to major bills if you don’t replace your brakes in time.

Key Takeaway Ignoring issues with your brakes now can lead to serious and costly consequences in the long run.

How to find cheap car insurance

Just like functional brakes, a good car insurance policy helps keep you and your passengers safe and financially protected.

But finding the best deal on your car insurance policy can be a headache. Fortunately,

Jerry

makes the process easy. You can download the Jerry app for instant access to the best rates from top name-brand insurance providers, like Nationwide, Allstate, and Progressive!

The average Jerry user saves over $800 a year on car insurance. Maybe you can even use your savings to cover the cost of some new brakes!

“I can’t thank the
Jerry
app enough! They saved me $160 a month, and I didn’t even have to talk over the phone. They took care of everything through text.” —Travis Y.

Are you overpaying for your car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds

Compare Rates Now

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees

4.717k Ratings

5M+Drivers Joined

7M+Cars Garaged

Do better brake pads make a difference?

Absolutely! They will last longer and make up for the cost difference by not needing to be replaced as often. They will be more responsive when you brake, leading to better performance overall.

What happens when brake pads get too low?

Nothing good, since low brake pads increase your chance of an accident! You can also damage other parts of your car, like the rotor or wheels.

Bad brakes cause more friction, which means more heat, and may end up overheating the braking system, which can cause the system to fail.

Can I make my brakes last longer?

Yes, with a few simple steps! Avoid slamming on the brakes when possible, don’t apply constant pressure (“riding the brake”), avoid stop-and-start traffic when you can, and keep up with regular brake system maintenance to make your brakes last longer.

Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™

Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.

Try GarageGuard™