Squeaking or screeching noise
- When your brake pads are worn and new pads are required, you will hear a high-pitched warning sound from your front brakes or rear brakes (if equipped). You may notice this sound come and go, or it may occur whenever you depress the brake pedal.
Thinning brake pads
- Aside from the squeaking noise, if the brake pad is less than 1/4-inch-thick (approx. 3 millimeters), consider visiting your local Kia Service Center to have the brake pads checked.
A brake pedal that trembles or feels “cushiony”
- The brake pedal should feel sturdy and should not take much effort for the car to stop, but if it requires the driver to push the brake pedal down to the floor, it may indicate a problem with the braking system.
The sound of metal scraping or grating
- This sound is a huge indicator that the brake pads may be down to the last of their lifespan, implying that the calipers and rotors have direct contact. If this grating noise occurs, please visit your local Kia Service Center as soon as possible, as the metal-on-metal contact can cause an extensive amount of damage to your brake system.
Additional physical warning signs may include:
- ABS or brake indicator light appears
- The car pulling toward one side more than the other
- The steering wheel shuddering or shaking