Brake repair Reviewing the topic
Although brake pads are designed to scrape and squeal when they have worn down (alerting you to the need for maintenance), they are not the only warning sign that your brakes need attention. You should check your brake fluid levels when your brake light goes on; this typically indicates that your fluid is low and your brakes should be checked over by a certified technician. Seeing or smelling brake fluid indicates the presence of a leak that should be checked immediately. Rotor surface issues usually manifest themselves through vibrating wheels or brake pedals, and brakes that squeal even after you release the brake pedal mean that your wear indicators are scraping against the rotors. The grinding or growling of metal on metal means, of course, that the pads are completely worn away.