Regularly checking the condition of your brakes is essential to ensure your safety. Your car’s braking system comprises various parts, including rotors, brake pads, and more. Identifying the warning signs of worn-out or faulty brakes is crucial, and we at Crain Kia of Sherwood, located in Sherwood, AR, are here to help you recognize these symptoms.
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Brake Pads
If you hear a screeching sound when you push the brake pedal, it’s a sign that you should take your car in for a check-up. AAA‘s website says that a piercing, high-pitched, or grinding sound typically means that your brake pads have worn down and need replacing. Karim Nice explains on the HowStuffWorks blog that this noise is generally caused by the brake pad’s wear indicator, which is designed to let you know when it needs replacing. As the pad frays from use, the wear indicator contacts the disk, producing a high-pitched screeching sound.
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Rotors
If you’re behind the wheel and notice an unusual pulse or vibration in your brake pedal, it may mean that your rotor is warped. On their blog, Autozone suggests that grinding sounds and longer or inconsistent braking distances are signs that you need to replace your rotor. Autozone also states that rotors can last up to 60,000 miles if you mostly drive on the interstate. However, if you drive mainly in the city with stop-and-go traffic, the lifespan of your rotors could be as short as 20,000 miles. If you need to replace your car’s rotors, you can schedule an appointment with the skilled service team at Crain Kia of Sherwood.
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Brake Pedal
Keeping your brakes in good working condition is paramount to ensure your safety. When you press down on the brake pedal, your vehicle should come to a quick stop with a firm press. If you notice that your brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or mushy, it’s a warning sign that something is wrong. On Kelley Blue Book‘s blog, Chantel Wakefield states that this could indicate several potential issues, including low brake fluid, air in the brake line, or a leaking brake line. To avoid any potential problems and ensure that your brakes are working correctly, it’s best to schedule an appointment with our certified service team.
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ABS Light
If the ABS light on your car’s dashboard lights up, it indicates that you should have your brakes checked by a technician. On J.D. Power‘s blog, Dustin Hawley says the ABS system monitors your car’s wheels to ensure they all turn at the same speed. The system will alert you via the dashboard light if something is amiss. There could be several reasons the light is on, but the most common ones are a malfunctioning ABS module, low brake fluid levels, faulty wheel speed sensors, or the ABS itself being off.
Remember, proper brake function is crucial for your safety and others on the road. Therefore, watching for abnormalities or possible issues with your car’s braking system is important. If you suspect any problems, book an appointment at Crain Kia of Sherwood for a brake check-up.



Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.