Your vehicle manufacturer thought long and hard on the brake systems and ultimately their safe operation, which is why manufacturers use systems and procedures such as wear limits, brake specifications, wear tags, wear sensors and data sheets.

One sign is a high pitched squeal and 'scratch' sound coming from your brakes when you apply the brake pedal, this sound can be attributed to brake pads that have worn beyond the manufactures intended limit and the small metal 'wear' tag fitted to your brake pad is now touching the disc ever so slightly to give you a sharp warning that your brake pads need immediate attention.

Furthermore to the above indication, another characteristic of your brake system wearing down is the movement or divergence of your car, or favoring one particular side when braking. 

Of course, this symptom could be a sticking or stuck caliper, poor brake fluid flow / pressure (or poor brake fluid condition - get it flushed) however, it can also be the result or worn brake pads either both or singular. This will need to be diagnosed by a qualified mechanic / workshop such as West End Service Centre who specialist in brakes and braking systems to ensure your vehicle remains safe and operational.

Braking system issues such as pressure loss at the brake pedal or more force needing to apply the brakes indicate another problem with your braking system, often the hydraulic components of the system such as your brake master cylinder, ABS unit, brake lines or the brake fluid condition

Brake fluid is hydroscopic and is designed to absorb water, typically after a year of operation, your brake fluid will absorb approximately 2% of moisture with a maximum permissible limit of 4%. Manufactures on average set a maximum permissible change limit of 2 years (subject to proper testing and brake flushing earlier if need be).

As discussed earlier, brake pads operate at extremely high temperatures which in turn can raise the brake fluid temperature to over 200*C, as the fluid gets too hot, small air bubbles begin to form and as it starts to boil - air becomes more compressible to fluid and eventually the brake fluid degrades beyond a repair point - the pedal is now just pushing air and typically the pedal becomes spongy as before you compress the brake fluid - you are essentially compressing at least 2x the same amount of air that you would otherwise be pressing 1 part of fluid, this results in extreme and unsafe brake fade of the brake pedal - completely undesirable.

Don't risk yourself, your family or other road users, get your brakes regularly inspected and serviced - why not try a brake experts such as West End Service Centre?

If you would like to know even more about your car brakes please see our related articles;

• A definitive guide to your car brakes
• Brake pad composition explained
• When should my brake pads be replaced?