Time to change my brakes?

MagicToaster

I live in a really hilly place. I've noticed that whenever I'm going downhill and I press my breaks to do a full stop I get a screech from the front right tire for the duration of my car slowing down until it comes to a complete stop.

This doesnt happen if I'm going downhill and I slow down, only when I go into a full stop. It also doesn't happen if I'm on a flat road... at all (unless I press my break unnaturally hard.)

Is this something I should address now or is it nothing o worry about? I don't want to go into a mechanic without researching and asking around first. Those guys always offer all sorts of ridiculous things.

Neurotika

I just had this problem last week. The screeching and grinding could be an indication that your brake pads are very worn and need replacement fairly quickly.

Tofystedeth

I've also had a similar problem where a brake caliper was slightly bent because a repair place overtightened a bolt when replacing the wheel after doing a repair and it caused uneven pressure on the brake pad.
Either way, get it looked at.

Hevach

Definitely get it looked at. Probably just pads, they'll probably do both wheels at once even if it's just one sqealing because they usually come in full sets anyway and the other side will need them soon if not already.

Pads are cheap enough to fix, but if you let it go even just a week or two (like I did recently) you might find you'll need to replace what would have been a perfectly good rotor or two, as well, and each rotor will cost more than the whole set of pads.

schuss

Yes, get it looked at immediately so you don't have to replace a rotor too.

mRahmani

If you're unsure, ask them to show you the brake pads. If they look like the ones on the bottom, they should be replaced soon. Pads are (generally) affordable, but if left unchecked they will tear up expensive rotors quickly.

MagicToaster

Thanks, guys. Gonna get on this this weekend.