6 Signs Your Brakes Need Repair or Replacement

Auto · Originally published June 12, 2015 · Updated November 2026

Southwest Missouri roads ask a lot of your brakes. Long downgrades on US-65 toward Branson, stop-and-go traffic on Glenstone and Range Line Road, and steep rural hills all add wear. The good news is that brakes rarely fail without warning. Pay attention to these six signs and get them checked early.

The six warning signs

1. Squealing or squeaking

Many brake pads have a small metal wear indicator that squeals against the rotor when the pad gets thin. A light squeak after rain or on a damp morning can be normal, but a squeal that shows up every time you brake is your cue to schedule an inspection.

2. Grinding or growling

Grinding usually means the pad material is worn down and metal is contacting metal. That can damage the rotors quickly and turn a pad replacement into a bigger repair. Don't wait on this one.

3. A pulsing or vibrating pedal

If the brake pedal or steering wheel shakes when you slow down, the rotors may be warped or unevenly worn. This is common after repeated hard braking on long downhill stretches. (A rapid pulsing during a hard stop on ice or gravel can also be your anti-lock brakes working normally.)

4. A soft, spongy or low pedal

A pedal that sinks closer to the floor than usual, or feels mushy, may point to air in the brake lines, a fluid leak or worn parts. This is a safety issue. Have it checked before you drive much farther.

5. Pulling to one side

If the car pulls left or right when you brake, a caliper may be sticking or pads may be wearing unevenly. It could also be a tire or alignment issue, but either way, get it looked at.

6. Warning lights or leaks

A brake warning light or ABS light on the dashboard means the system has detected a problem. Also watch for fluid spots near the wheels. Brake fluid is usually clear to light brown and feels slick.

Easy on the brakes in hill country

You can extend the life of your brakes with a few habits:

On long downgrades, shift to a lower gear and let the engine help slow you instead of riding the brakes.
Leave more following distance so you can slow gradually.
If you tow a boat or camper to Table Rock Lake, remember the extra weight puts more strain on your brakes. Our article on travel trailer insurance and towing covers the insurance side.
Check for open safety recalls on your vehicle at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What insurance does and doesn't cover

Auto insurance is built for sudden accidents, not routine wear and tear.

Worn pads, rotors and other brake repairs are maintenance and generally aren't covered by your auto policy. Some companies sell separate mechanical breakdown coverage, which works differently from standard auto insurance.
If your brakes fail and you crash, collision coverage generally pays to repair your own car, minus your deductible, and your liability coverage pays for damage you cause to others.
Neglected maintenance can still hurt you. A preventable crash can lead to an at-fault claim, which may raise your rates. See car insurance rates after an accident.

If you're not sure whether you carry collision, our guide to what "full coverage" means is a good starting point.

Talk to a local agent

Questions about your coverage? Call 417.865.4800 and we'll review your auto insurance with you.

Common questions

How often should brakes be checked?

Your owner's manual gives the recommended schedule. Many drivers have them checked at tire rotations or oil changes so problems are caught early.

Does car insurance pay for new brakes?

No. Brake wear is routine maintenance. Insurance may pay for crash damage if a brake problem leads to an accident, depending on your coverage.

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Written by Auto Insurance Express. Reviewed by Philip Edwards, founder. Philip has run independent insurance agencies in southwest Missouri since 1997. More about the agency.

General information, not advice about your specific policy. Coverage, exclusions and eligibility are determined by the policy forms and endorsements your insurer issues, and state rules change. Confirm details with us before you rely on them.