← Brakes feel wrong or failed

Brakes feel wrong or failed in Royal Oak, MI

Brakes give warning before they fail. A soft or sinking pedal means the hydraulics are going and the car should not be driven; grinding means the pads are gone; a warning light with normal braking is usually just low fluid.

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Do not drive — tow it

A soft or sinking brake pedal means the hydraulic system is failing. Do not drive this car.

⚠️ Safety first

A soft or sinking pedal means the hydraulic system is failing. The next stop may not happen. Do not drive this car.

  1. 1Park it and leave it parked.
  2. 2Check under the car near the wheels for fluid (brake fluid is clear-to-brown and slippery).
  3. 3Request a tow to a repair shop.
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Metal-on-metal — get it towed

Grinding means the pads are gone and steel is eating the rotors — braking distance grows every mile.

  1. 1Avoid driving.
  2. 2If you absolutely must move it, keep speeds low and distances short.
  3. 3Request a tow to a shop.
Try this first

Check the fluid and the parking brake

If braking feels normal, the light is usually low fluid or a half-engaged parking brake.

  1. 1Make sure the parking brake is fully released.
  2. 2Check the brake fluid reservoir (driver's side, back of the engine bay) against MIN/MAX.
  3. 3Low fluid can mean worn pads or a leak — top up with the fluid type printed on the cap and book a shop visit.
  4. 4If the pedal ever softens or the light is red and flashing, stop and request a tow.
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