Red Seal Automotive Service Technician Practice Exam

A common sign of brake wear is the presence of a squeaking or grinding noise when the brakes are applied. This noise typically occurs when the brake pads have worn down to a point where the metal backing plate comes into contact with the brake rotor. Many brake systems are designed with wear indicators that create a sound when the pads are close to the end of their useful life. The significance of this symptom is that it serves as an early warning that the brake pads need to be replaced to maintain braking efficiency and safety. Ignoring such noises can lead to further damage to the braking system, including potential damage to the rotors, which may require more extensive and expensive repairs. Other indicators of brake wear, although not the correct answer in this case, do exist. Increased fuel consumption could indirectly indicate problems elsewhere in the vehicle, while changes in engine temperature are more related to the cooling system and not brake performance. Vibration in the steering wheel can indicate issues such as rotor warpage or suspension problems rather than brake pad wear specifically.