How to tell if your brakes need to be serviced

After many thousand miles on the road, your car brakes may need to be serviced. But how do you tell if it’s time to come to the dealership? Below are some of the biggest indicators that your car brakes may be failing.

High-pitched squealing

If you hear a high-pitched squeal when you apply the brakes, this is a sign that your brake pads are getting worn out and should be replaced soon. Don’t worry — it’s still safe to drive for now. The squealing comes from a small, built-in piece of metal designed to alert you to worn brake pads. And if it’s only a bit of squealing, especially when you’ve just started driving, it may be nothing to worry about at all. Porsche even made a video about it.

Grinding sounds

If you’ve ignored the high-pitched squealing and didn’t come to Porsche of Spokane for new pads, you’ll eventually hear grinding when applying the brakes. That means your pads are completely worn and the caliper is pressing directly against the rotor. This could permanently damage your brakes, so don’t wait — head to the dealership right away!

Brake pedal vibration

If your rotors are warped, you may be able to feel a vibration through the brake pedal. Rotors can warp after excessive braking and overheating, or if they have become too old and thin. You’re not likely to experience this with Porsche high-performance brakes, but it’s still something to look out for.

Unpredictable braking

If you apply the brakes and the car doesn’t slow down as much as it should, or slows down far faster than it should, or starts to pull to the side even though you are keeping the steering wheel straight, head to the service center. Typically, these can all be signs of an issue with the brake fluid and not one you want to delay resolving.

Brakes are arguably one of the most important components of your Porsche. Keep an ear out for any potential issues and get the best possible brake service at Porsche of Spokane.