5 Warning Signs Your Brakes Need Repair

Your brakes are the most important safety system in your vehicle.At Strong's Alignment Services, we've seen what happens when drivers ignore early warning signs — and it's always more expensive (and more dangerous) to wait.

1. Squealing or Squeaking When Braking

Most brake pads include a small metal tab called a wear indicator . When your pads wear down to about 2–3mm, this tab contacts the rotor and creates a high-pitched squeal. This is your brake system literally telling you: "Replace me now."

Cost to fix early: $150–$300 for pads only.
Cost if you wait: $400–$800+ for pads AND rotors.

2. Grinding Noise

If squealing has progressed to a deep metal - on - metal grinding , your brake pads are completely worn through. The metal backing plate is now grinding directly on your rotors, destroying them. This is a safety emergency — do not drive.

3. Brake Pedal Feels Soft or Spongy

A spongy brake pedal usually indicates one of these issues:

• Air in the brake lines: Requires a brake fluid flush and bleed.
• Worn master cylinder: The hydraulic pump that creates brake pressure is failing.
• Brake fluid leak: Check for wet spots on wheels or under the car near the wheels.

Any of these conditions mean your braking distance is dramatically increased.Get it checked immediately.

4. Vehicle Pulls to One Side When Braking

If your car pulls left or right only when you press the brakes, the likely causes are:

• Stuck caliper: One caliper is applying more pressure than the other.
• Uneven pad wear: One side is wearing faster, possibly due to a seized slide pin.
• Collapsed brake hose: An internal collapse restricts fluid flow to one caliper.

5. Vibration or Pulsation in the Brake Pedal

A pulsating brake pedal typically means your rotors are warped . This happens from excessive heat — usually from aggressive braking, towing, or driving down mountains. Warped rotors can sometimes be resurfaced (machined flat), but if they're too thin, replacement is necessary.

Don't Compromise on Brakes

At Strong's, we perform a complete brake inspection — measuring pad thickness, rotor condition, fluid level, and caliper operation. We'll show you exactly what needs attention and what can wait.No upselling.No pressure.

All brake work comes with our 12 - month / 12,000 - mile warranty .

Schedule Your Brake Inspection

Visit us at 195 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118 . Walk-ins welcome Monday–Friday.

Call: (860) 569 - 1440