• A spongy or soft pedal may indicate air in the brake lines or fluid issues.

• Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the hood (usually on or near the master cylinder).

• Check the level—it should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” lines.

• Look at the fluid color: it should be clear or light amber.

• Dark, dirty, or low fluid may mean it’s time to replace it or check for leaks.

• Check under the vehicle and around each wheel for signs of fluid.

• Leaking brake fluid can cause brake failure and must be addressed immediately.

• Pay attention to sounds when braking.

• Squealing often means worn brake pads.

• Grinding could mean the pads are completely worn and metal is contacting the rotor.

• If your wheels have open spokes, look through them to see the brake pads.

• Pads should have at least 3mm of friction material left.

• If you can’t see clearly, remove the wheel for a better look.

• Look for signs of deep grooves, scoring, or rust.

• Rotors should be relatively smooth. Uneven wear or damage affects braking performance.

• If your dashboard shows a brake warning or ABS light, don’t ignore it—it usually signals a serious issue.

A car owner noticed a slight squeal when braking. A quick home check revealed worn pads with less than 2mm left. Replacing them early prevented rotor damage and costly repairs.