Brakes are one of those things you don’t want to ignore. At Creekwood Tire & Auto Repair, we see it all the time—people waiting until something feels really wrong before coming in for a brake inspection. The truth is, your brakes give you warning signs well before things get dangerous or expensive. The key is knowing what to look out for and acting early.

If you’re in Lenoir City and wondering whether it’s time to get your brakes checked, here are six signs you should not ignore.

1. Squealing or Squeaking Noises

This is often the first sign something’s going on. Brake pads are designed to make a high-pitched squeal when they start to wear down. It’s your car’s built-in reminder to schedule service. If you’re hearing this sound consistently, it’s time to bring your vehicle in. We’ll inspect your brake pads and rotors and let you know exactly what shape they’re in.

2. Grinding Sounds When Braking

If you’re hearing a grinding noise, that usually means the brake pads are worn all the way down and metal is rubbing against metal. This can damage your rotors and lead to a much more expensive repair. Grinding is not normal and it should be addressed immediately. At Creekwood, we’ll take a close look and let you know if we can resurface the rotors or if replacements are needed.

3. Vibration in the Brake Pedal or Steering Wheel

A pulsing or vibrating brake pedal is often a sign of warped rotors. This can happen over time from excessive heat or wear. It not only affects your stopping distance, but it also puts added stress on your suspension. We use advanced diagnostic equipment to measure rotor thickness and check for runout. If your rotors are uneven, we’ll recommend the best solution to keep your braking smooth.

4. Brake Warning Light Is On

If your dashboard brake light turns on, it could mean several things—low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or a problem with the braking system itself. It’s not something to guess about. Bring it in and we’ll hook up diagnostics to see what triggered the light. If it’s something minor, we’ll get it fixed fast. If it’s something more serious, we’ll explain what’s going on and what needs to happen next.

5. Car Pulling to One Side When Braking

This usually means the brake system is not applying pressure evenly. It could be a stuck caliper, uneven brake pad wear, or an issue with the hydraulic system. If your car pulls left or right when you brake, that’s not something you should have to live with. It’s also a safety concern. Our team can inspect and rebalance the system so your vehicle stops straight and safely.

6. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal

A soft pedal that sinks too far or feels spongy is often a sign of air in the brake lines or a problem with the brake fluid. It could also indicate a master cylinder issue. Any time the pedal doesn’t feel firm and responsive, it’s time for service. We’ll check the entire hydraulic system, flush and replace brake fluid if needed, and restore the firmness of your brake pedal.

Why Creekwood Is the Right Place for Brake Repair

We’re not just here to patch things up. We do the job right. Our ASE-certified technicians use high-quality brake pads and parts that meet or exceed manufacturer standards. We also use modern diagnostic tools to ensure your braking system is working the way it should—no guesswork, just clear answers.

We handle brake services for a wide range of vehicles, including both domestic and foreign makes. From Toyota and Ford to BMW and Mercedes-Benz, we’re equipped to handle it all.

Don’t Wait for It to Get Worse

Brakes don’t fix themselves. Waiting too long can lead to bigger repairs, more expensive parts, and unsafe driving conditions. If any of these signs sound familiar, we’re here to help.

Call Creekwood Tire & Auto Repair or schedule an appointment online today. We’ll inspect your brakes, walk you through the findings, and take care of the repairs with no surprises. Safety is too important to put off.