Car expert reveals how ‘squeak’ can be a sign of major issue… but a ‘crunch’ sound means it’s ‘too late’
A CAR expert has revealed how a “squeak” could signal trouble for your motor – but a “crunch” means it’s too late.
Scotty Kilmer, a mechanic of over 50 years, warned drivers not to ignore the symptoms of a dangerous fault.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Scotty explained how you can tell if your brake pads are beginning to wear out.
He said: “Your brake pads squeeze your rotors to stop the car – it uses friction.
“Eventually, friction wears the pad material out.
“If you’re hearing squeaks every time you hit the brakes, pull off a wheel and check.
“If the pad material is getting thinner than a dime, time to change your pads.”
However, he urged Brits to make the vital check before they heard a “crunch”, as that could mean it’s too late.
Scotty added: “If you hear a crunching noise when you hit the brakes, you went too far, it’s too late.
“It’s eating up the pad and the rotors.
“You’re going to have to buy something you didn’t have to in the first place [a new rotor].
“If it’s making horrible noises stop and fix it immediately.”
If you leave it too long, you could end up with a severe brake fault, which could put you at risk of a nasty crash and a repair bill for thousands.
But fixing it early will only cost you a couple of hundred pounds and can be done at most local garages.
Halfords also has a video tutorial on how to do it yourself on its site, though if you’re not a seasoned petrolhead it might be best to have it done professionally.
It comes after Scotty explained how a £1 Amazon buy can banish bad smells and beat bacteria in your car.