Brakes are one of your vehicle’s most important safety systems. Every time you drive, they help you slow down, stop, and stay in control — especially in unexpected situations. But because brake wear happens gradually, it’s not always obvious when there’s a problem.

That’s why it’s important to know the early signs. This guide explains the key indicators that your brakes may need repair and how staying on top of them can keep you safe and save you money in the long run.

Understanding Two Types of Brakes

Most vehicles in New Zealand use either disc brakes or drum brakes — or a combination of both. Each system has its own components, wear points, and maintenance needs.

Disc Brakes

Disc brakes are commonly found on the front (and increasingly on all four) wheels of modern vehicles. They include:

A rotor (or disc) that spins with the wheel
A brake calliper that clamps the rotor using brake pads
Pads that create friction and wear down over time

Disc brakes are known for strong stopping power, better performance in wet weather, and easier visual inspection of wear.

Drum Brakes

Drum brakes are typically found on the rear wheels of some vehicles, particularly older models and smaller cars. They use:

A drum that rotates with the wheel
Brake shoes that press outward against the inside of the drum
Springs and adjusters to keep the system balanced

While drum brakes can last longer in some conditions, they’re harder to inspect and more prone to wear-and-tear issues if left unchecked.

10 Signs Your Brake Pads Are in Trouble

Brake components don’t last forever. Depending on your driving habits, they might need replacement every 40,000–70,000km — sometimes sooner for urban drivers dealing with frequent stops. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Squeaking or Squealing Noises

A high-pitched noise when braking is often caused by the wear indicator on your brake pads. It’s designed to alert you before the pad wears down completely.

Tip: If the sound disappears when braking, it might be minor dust. But if it’s consistent, get it checked.

2. Grinding Sounds

Grinding usually means the pad material has worn away, and metal is scraping on metal. At this point, you're likely damaging your rotors — which leads to much costlier repairs.

3. Vibration or Pulsing When Braking

A vibrating steering wheel or brake pedal often points to warped rotors or uneven wear. You might feel it more at high speeds or when slowing from a hill.

This can result from heat buildup, worn pads, or rotors that weren’t installed correctly. Resurfacing or replacement may be needed depending on the severity.

4. Longer Stopping Distances

If you’ve noticed it takes more time or road space to come to a stop, your braking system may be losing efficiency. Worn pads, air in the brake lines, or low fluid can all reduce stopping power.

In wet or busy driving conditions, this can be dangerous — so it’s best to have it looked at before it worsens.

5. Soft or Spongy Pedal Feel

If your brake pedal sinks too far or feels “mushy,” it could indicate:

Air in the brake lines
A brake fluid leak
Problems with the master cylinder

These issues can significantly affect braking performance and should be addressed immediately.

6. Brake Warning Light

Modern vehicles come with dashboard lights to warn you of brake system issues. A red brake warning light might indicate:

Low brake fluid
Worn brake pads
Handbrake left on
Hydraulic system fault

Even if your brakes feel fine, don’t ignore this light — it could prevent a future failure.

7. Car Pulls to One Side

If your car veers left or right when braking, one side may be working harder than the other. This could be caused by:

Uneven brake pad wear
A sticking calliper
Brake fluid distribution issues

Pulling affects your control and can increase tyre wear. A technician can isolate the fault and rebalance the system.

8. Burning Smell After Braking

If you smell something sharp or chemical after braking — particularly after downhill driving — your brakes may be overheating. This can lead to:

Brake fade
Warped rotors
Damaged brake fluid

Pull over to cool the brakes if it’s safe. If the smell persists, get the system inspected.

9. Visible Pad Wear

Some wheels allow you to visually inspect the pads. If the friction material looks thin (less than 3mm), they should be replaced soon.

Many modern vehicles also include electronic wear sensors, which will trigger a warning light when the pad is low.

10. Fluid Leak Around Tyres

Brake fluid leaks often appear near the inside of the tyre. The fluid is usually clear to light yellow and feels slick. Even a small leak can lead to brake failure — so don’t wait.

Brake fluid should be checked at every service and replaced every 2 years or as recommended by your manufacturer.

Get Your Brake Fix with Sims Brake

Your brakes are too important to leave to chance. If any of the signs above sound familiar, don’t wait — book a brake check with Sims Brake Services today.

Our team specialises in everything brake-related, from pads and discs to hoses, fluid, and cables. We’ll take a look, explain what’s going on in simple terms, and get you back on the road safely.

Whether you’ve heard a squeak, felt a shudder, or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help. Contact Sims Brake now and let’s make sure your brakes are in top shape.

How to Tell When Your Brakes Need Repair