<human>:  How do I check if my car needs new brakes?
<bot>: The first step to check if your car needs new brakes is to inspect the brake pads. Look for excessive wear or a significant decrease in thickness. If you see either of these signs, it is a good indicator that you need to replace the brakes. Additionally, check for any sounds of grinding when you press the brake pedal. If you hear a noticeable grinding noise, it is an indication that you need to replace your brakes.