Your brakes are the single most important safety system on your vehicle, yet most drivers only think about them once something already feels wrong. The good news is that a failing brake system rarely fails without warning — it almost always gives you a series of signals first.

Catching these signs early can mean the difference between a routine pad replacement and a much more expensive repair, not to mention the difference between stopping safely and not stopping at all. Here are five warning signs worth acting on right away.

Unusual Noises When Braking

A high-pitched squeal when you press the pedal is usually your brake pads telling you their wear indicator has kicked in — it’s designed to be heard. A deeper grinding sound, on the other hand, often means the pads are worn down completely and metal is now contacting metal, which can quickly damage your rotors.

Beyond noise, pay attention to how the pedal itself feels and how the car behaves when you brake. The remaining signs below are just as telling, and just as easy to miss if you’re not looking for them.

• A soft or spongy brake pedal that sinks further than usual, which can point to air or moisture in the brake lines.
• The vehicle pulling to one side under braking, often caused by uneven pad wear or a sticking caliper.
• A pulsation or vibration through the pedal or steering wheel, a common sign of warped rotors.
• Noticeably longer stopping distances than you remember, which should never be written off as “normal wear.”

If any of these sound familiar, don’t wait for the next service interval. Have your brake system inspected as soon as possible — pads, rotors, and fluid are all inexpensive compared to the alternative.