Listening to your brakes is one of the most important things you can do to make sure your Toyota car keeps going down the road safe and sound. If your brakes go out, it can lead to accidents, injury, and sometimes even death. By carefully listening to your brakes and by watching for the warning signs that there are problems with your brakes, you can help make sure you’re safe in the event of a braking emergency.

Certain noises can tell you that it’s time for you to get new brakes. A high-pitched screech can tell you that you need new brake pads. This noise is caused then a metal shim inside the pads, sometimes known as the indicator, is rubbing against other metal.

A grinding noise or a metallic growling can also mean you have brake problems. In fact, it may mean that your brakes are worn down to the point where the caliper and disc are rubbing together. If you hear this kind of noise, get your car looked at right away. This kind of repair gets more expensive the longer you let it go.

Finally, if your brake pedal vibrates or pulses, it can indicated that your rotors are warped. This can also mean that your vehicle needs an alignment. Either way, it’s time to get it into the shop.