Squeal or metallic grinding
Check within a few days- Worn pads (wear indicator)
- Pads worn to the metal damage the discs
- Seized caliper or slide pins
The fault can get worse and more expensive. Drive carefully and book a diagnosis.
Squeaky brakes or steering wheel shaking when braking
Brakes give early warnings: squealing, grinding, steering wheel vibration or a soft pedal. Some of these are just worn pads, but a soft or sinking pedal means a problem with the fluid or hydraulic system — then you mustn’t delay.
Most common variants and causes
Steering wheel or pedal vibrates
Check within a few days- Warped brake discs
- Unevenly worn pads
- Less often: suspension play
The fault can get worse and more expensive. Drive carefully and book a diagnosis.
Soft pedal that sinks
Avoid driving — call us- Air or old fluid in the system
- Brake fluid leak
- Master cylinder
Driving on may be unsafe or cause serious damage. Call us — we’ll advise whether to drive in or use a tow truck.
What you can check yourself
- Notice whether the squeal happens every time you brake or only when cold or after rain.
- Check whether the steering wheel shakes when braking from higher speed.
- Assess the pedal: firm and even, or soft and sinking.
- Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
How we check it in the workshop
We measure pad and disc thickness and check the calipers, brake lines and brake fluid. We replace parts in pairs per axle and test the brakes after the repair.
This is guidance only, not a diagnosis. We’ll find the exact cause at our workshop in Bielany — you approve the quote before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Does squealing always mean worn brake pads?
Not always — dirty or glazed pads can squeal too. A metallic grinding, however, usually means pads worn right down.
Why does the steering wheel shake when braking?
Most often because of warped (uneven) brake discs. Sometimes play in the suspension is the cause too.
What to do if the brake pedal feels soft?
Limit driving and give us a call. A soft pedal can mean air in the system, a fluid leak or a problem with the brake master cylinder.
Other symptoms
Check engine light is onKnocking over bumpsCar pulls / steering off-centreA/C not cooling or smellsCar won’t startRattling from the engineExhaust smoke / loss of powerJerky gearbox or clutchEngine is overheatingPuddle under the car / leakCar jerks when accelerating
Not sure? Take the symptom test (2 clicks)