Signs You Need New Brake Pads

Properly functioning brake pads are essential for your vehicle’s braking system to perform optimally. For this reason, it’s important to monitor the condition of your brake pads and replace them as soon as they become worn or damaged. When you apply the brakes on your vehicle, a small amount of friction material is worn off the pads and/or shoes. The friction material gets thin and wears out over time. If the pads or shoes are not replaced, the friction material will wear away completely, exposing the steel pieces that held the material in place. When these steel pieces make contact with the discs or drums, they cause damage to the discs and drums.

Your car’s brakes are one of the most critical components of the vehicle. It is critical that you keep checking the performance of your brakes in order to stay safe on the road. Ideally, brake pads should be replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, while rotors should be replaced every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. However, every vehicle is unique, and there are a number of warning signs that you may require new brake pads. So, if you’re unsure whether or not your car’s brake pads are nearing the end of their life, there are some warning signs to look for. Making a simple diagnosis and identifying some common signs can help to find out the health of brake pads. Here are the most common indicators that it’s time for new brake pads.

Odd Noise Coming from Brakes

One of the most common signs of worn-out brake pads is a persistent squeaking or squealing sound. In some weather conditions, this squeaky sound could be a result of rain or bad weather. But if you notice squeaky brakes in all weather conditions, it means there’s a problem. If your brakes continue to squeak, it’s time to have your vehicle and brakes inspected by a professional. Squealing or grinding sounds often indicate worn-out brake pads.

Vibrating Brake Pads

A vibrating brake pedal is another indication that it is time to replace your brake pads. If stopping your car is difficult with your current brake pedal and it vibrates or feels unsteady as you press down, this indicates that your brake pads have worn out. It’s not normal to experience vibration when pressing the brake, so it is critical to have your car checked right away to avoid further damage or a potential accident. It’s possible that your rotors are warped, causing uneven brake pad wear.

Brake Pads Less Than 14 Inches Thick

Another way to tell if it’s time to replace your brake pads is to simply look at them. You should be able to locate the brake pad on the tire rotor. It’s easy to look between the spokes on your wheels and check if it is less than 14 inches thick. When brake pads get thin, it is likely that they need to be replaced soon. Having your tires rotated every 6 months is one way to extend the life of your brakes. This will keep one area of your tires from becoming worn down.