Brakes are the single most important safety system on your vehicle. If you’ve noticed a harsh grinding, scraping, or metallic noise whenever you press the brake pedal, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t right. While it may be tempting to turn up the radio and ignore it, doing so can put your safety and your wallet at risk. At Dom’s Garage Services in Letchworth, we regularly see drivers come in with grinding brakes — and in most cases, early intervention could have saved them hundreds of pounds.

What Causes Brakes to Grind?

There isn’t a single reason for brake grinding — instead, it can be caused by several different faults or conditions. Some are temporary and relatively harmless, while others are urgent and potentially dangerous:

• Worn brake pads: Pads are made with a special friction material that presses against the brake discs to slow your car down. Over time, this material wears away. If it wears down completely, the metal backing plate presses directly on the disc, causing a loud grinding noise and damaging the disc surface.
• Damaged or warped discs: Brake discs operate under extreme heat and pressure. Heavy braking, overheating, or rust build-up can damage the disc surface. A damaged disc often causes scraping noises and vibration when braking.
• Sticking brake calipers: Calipers squeeze the pads against the disc. If one sticks, it forces the pad into constant contact, wearing it unevenly and causing a grinding sound even when you’re not braking heavily.
• Debris in the brakes: Occasionally, small stones or grit can get trapped between pads and discs. While this often clears itself, it can create a temporary grinding sound.

Other Symptoms to Watch Out For

A grinding noise may not be the only warning your brakes give you. Look out for these additional signs of trouble:

• A spongy or unresponsive brake pedal.
• The car taking longer than usual to stop.
• Pulsation or shaking in the brake pedal when slowing down.
• A burning smell after braking in traffic or down hills.
• The brake warning light illuminated on your dashboard.

How Dangerous Is It to Keep Driving?

Continuing to drive with grinding brakes is highly unsafe. At best, you’re wearing out discs and calipers — which are far more expensive to replace than brake pads. At worst, your brakes could fail entirely. Drivers who ignore brake grinding often end up with seized calipers, broken discs, or even complete brake loss. The small cost of a brake inspection now is nothing compared to the potential cost of an accident or a major repair bill.

Can Grinding Brakes Be Prevented?

Yes — in many cases, grinding brakes are the result of neglect rather than sudden failure. You can prevent the issue by:

• Having your brakes inspected regularly (at least once a year).
• Replacing pads before they wear completely down.
• Booking an inspection if you hear squealing — it’s often an early warning before grinding begins.
• Driving smoothly and avoiding heavy, unnecessary braking.

What to Do If You Hear Grinding

If your brakes start to grind, the safest course of action is to stop driving and book an inspection immediately. Even if your car still feels like it’s braking “okay,” the underlying issue will only get worse. Continuing to drive could damage discs, calipers, and even wheel bearings.

Brake Repairs at Dom’s Garage Services

At Dom’s Garage Services in Letchworth, we carry out complete brake inspections and repairs. Our technicians will:

• Check the thickness of your brake pads.
• Inspect discs for wear, heat spots, or cracks.
• Test brake calipers for sticking or seizing.
• Check brake fluid levels and hoses for leaks.
• Provide a clear explanation of the fault and repair options.

Why Choose Dom’s Garage Services?

We’re a trusted local garage with years of experience in keeping Letchworth drivers safe on the road. Our reputation is built on honest advice, quality workmanship, and friendly service. Whether you need new pads, disc replacement, or a full brake system repair, you can rely on us to do the job properly the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grinding Brakes

• Can I drive short distances with grinding brakes? It’s strongly discouraged. Even short trips can cause further damage and increase your repair costs.
• How much does it cost to fix grinding brakes? It depends on the extent of the damage. Replacing pads is relatively inexpensive, but replacing discs and calipers is more costly — another reason to act quickly.
• Will the noise go away on its own? If the grinding is caused by debris, it might — but most of the time, it won’t. It’s always better to get it checked.

Book a Brake Check in Letchworth

If your car is making a grinding noise when braking, don’t delay. Call Dom’s Garage Services on 01462 671753 or book online. You’ll find us at 11 Protea Way, Letchworth, SG6 1JT. We’ll diagnose the issue quickly and get you safely back on the road.