Your brakes are probably the most important safety component in your car. As they’re constantly subjected to wear and tear while you drive, it’s important to keep an eye on their condition and to stay on top of any replacements or repairs they might need.

Here are eight signs that it’s time to book your brakes in for some maintenance.

1. Screeching or grinding sounds

Screeching sounds from your brake pads aren’t just unpleasant for your ears, but they’re also a sign that the pads are worn down and probably need replacing. It’s best to get on that as soon as you notice, because leaving them worn could result in a much bigger repair bill further down the line.

Grinding sounds are another indicator that your brake pads could be worn through, so keep an ear open for those as well. Book in for a Free Brake Check with us and we can get to the bottom of what’s causing the issue.

2. Dashboard brake warning light

Dashboard warning lights are there to help us stay on top of what’s going on with our cars, particularly those areas that we can’t see. If an illuminated yellow or red brake light appears on your dashboard then it either means you’ve got a brake inspection coming up or there’s potentially an issue with your brakes.

Whatever the case, it’s best to get your brakes checked out as soon as possible. Our Diagnostic Check is a great option here and will help to pinpoint the problem.

3. Car pulls to one side

If your car starts to pull to one side when you brake, it’s a clear indication that there’s an issue that needs fixing. While it could be your brakes, it could also be linked to your car’s suspension, so you’ll need a technician to diagnose the problem and identify exactly what needs fixing.

4. Spongy or soft brake pedal

Your brake pedal isn’t supposed to feel spongy or soft, so if you do experience this then it’s a sign that your brakes need looking at. To ensure your safety, get your car booked in for a Free Brake Check with us.

5. Steering wheel or brake pedal vibration

A vibrating steering wheel or brake pedal is a sign of brake problems and one you should get checked out as soon as you can – for both your safety and for your wallet. Wait too long and you risk your rotors becoming misshapen, which could result in more expensive repair work at a later date.

6. Leaking fluid

Leaking fluid is a sure sign that your car needs some maintenance. If that fluid’s coming from your braking system, then it’s essential you get it sorted right away as it means your brakes won’t be working as well as they should. Pop into your local Halfords Autocentre and our technicians will be happy to help.

7. Smell coming from your tyres

This might not be the most obvious sign, but if you notice that your tyres are giving off a strange smell then this can mean you’ve got a brake problem. A component in your braking system is probably in need of urgent repair, so you’ll want to get it looked at as soon as possible.

8. Less responsive brakes

Less responsive brakes, where you have to apply much more pressure to get your car to stop, can indicate that your brake pads have worn down and need replacing. Our Free Brake Check is a great starting point that will help to pinpoint the problem and resolve it.

Halfords Brakes4Life scheme

Our Brakes4Life scheme means that when you purchase one set of brake pads or brake shoes, all future replacements are completely free. You can even transfer the scheme to a new car, so you can continue enjoying free brake pad replacements forever*.

All you need to do is start by booking a free brake check with us. If you do need a new set of brake pads or brake shoes, you will have the opportunity to join the Brakes4Life scheme.

Introducing the Halfords Motoring Club

Another great offering from Halfords is the Halfords Motoring Club. Don’t miss out! Join the Halfords Motoring Club today to access a range of amazing benefits and discounts that are designed to keep you moving, keep you safe and keep you saving.

It’s free to join and you’ll receive money off your MOT, a free car health check and a welcome voucher that can be spent on any Halfords product or service.

Or choose our Premium membership for a small monthly fee (or a one-off payment) to unlock exclusive member pricing on all motoring products and services online and across our stores, garages and Halfords Mobile Experts, as well as a variety of other benefits that will help you to keep moving for less.

With so much to enjoy, this is too good an opportunity to miss!

Join the Halfords Motoring Club today at www.halfords.com/motoring-club.

*Terms and conditions apply: https://www.halfords.com/car-servicing/brakes4life/terms-and-conditions/brakes4life-terms-and-conditions.html