When do you need to change your brakes? 5 signs to watch for

Your brakes are your car's most important safety system. Yet surprisingly many car owners postpone brake service until it's too late. At Södermalm Bilservice, we see cars every week that have driven far too long on worn brakes.

The first sign is often a squealing or scraping noise when you brake. This is caused by the brake pad's wear indicator reaching the rotor. If you hear this sound, you should book an inspection as soon as possible.

Another common sign is the car pulling to one side when braking. This can indicate uneven wear on the brake pads or a problem with the brake caliper. In the worst case, it could be a leak in the brake system.

Vibrations in the steering wheel during braking are also a warning signal. This is usually caused by warped brake rotors, which can happen after heavy braking or if the wheel bolts haven't been tightened correctly.

If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy, or if you need to press the pedal further down than usual, there may be air in the brake system or a problem with the master cylinder. This should be addressed immediately.

We recommend checking your brakes at least once a year, or every 20,000 km. As a Bosch Car Service partner, we use genuine parts and have the latest diagnostic equipment to give you a complete and reliable assessment.