Rev Up for the 2026 ASE Brakes Certification – Master the Test and Shift Gears to Success!

The audible sign that typically indicates that brake pads need replacement is the presence of a squeaking or grinding noise when braking. This occurs because most brake pads are equipped with a wear indicator, which is a small metal tab that produces a high-pitched squeaking sound when the pads wear down to a certain level. This serves as a warning to the driver that the pads are approaching the end of their service life and should be replaced to maintain braking performance.

If the brake pads wear down even further, they can expose the backing plate, leading to a grinding noise. This noise occurs when the metal backing of the pad contacts the rotor, which can cause significant damage to both the rotor and the braking system as a whole if not addressed promptly. Therefore, the combination of squeaking and grinding noises serves as a crucial maintenance indicator for safe braking systems.

The other sounds listed, such as hissing, whistling, or buzzing, are not directly linked to the condition of brake pads and may indicate different issues unrelated to the need for pad replacement.