Why Is My Car Making a Grinding Noise When I Brake? Causes and Fixes

What grinding noise usually means

A grinding sound when braking almost always points to worn brake pads. When pads wear through, bare metal rubs against the disc — that is the grinding you hear.

It can also mean a stone or foreign object is trapped between the pad and disc, or the brake disc itself has been damaged by overheating or rust.

Why worn pads are dangerous

Worn pads do not grip as well, so your stopping distance gets longer. Bare metal also damages the brake disc, which means you will need to replace discs AND pads instead of just pads — a more expensive repair.

What we do

We measure your brake pads and discs to see exactly how much wear you have. We then advise whether pads alone will do, or whether discs also need replacing. We fit the right parts for your car, not a guess, and bed in the new pads properly so they work from day one.

Do not ignore grinding brakes

Grinding brakes will fail an MOT and are unsafe. Call us on 0121 544 3736 as soon as you hear the noise. We often fit brakes the same week and your car will stop safely again.