A CAR expert has revealed how a "squeak" could signal trouble for your motor - but a "crunch" means it's too late.
Scotty Kilmer, a mechanic of over 50 years, warned drivers not to ignore the symptoms of a dangerous fault.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Scotty explained how you can tell if your brake pads are beginning to wear out.
He said: "Your brake pads squeeze your rotors to stop the car - it uses friction.
"Eventually, friction wears the pad material out.
"If you're hearing squeaks every time you hit the brakes, pull off a wheel and check.
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"If the pad material is getting thinner than a dime, time to change your pads."
However, he urged Brits to make the vital check before they heard a "crunch", as that could mean it's too late.
Scotty added: "If you hear a crunching noise when you hit the brakes, you went too far, it's too late.
"It's eating up the pad and the rotors.
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"You're going to have to buy something you didn't have to in the first place [a new rotor].
"If it's making horrible noises stop and fix it immediately."
If you leave it too long, you could end up with a severe brake fault, which could put you at risk of a nasty crash and a repair bill for thousands.
But fixing it early will only cost you a couple of hundred pounds and can be done at most local garages.
Halfords also has a video tutorial on how to do it yourself on its site, though if you're not a seasoned petrolhead it might be best to have it done professionally.
It comes after Scotty explained how a £1 Amazon buy can banish bad smells and beat bacteria in your car.