7 Signs that Your Car is Asking to Replace Brake Pads
Ever noticed your car taking longer to stop than usual? Or heard odd noises on pressing the brake pedal? These are warning signs you should never ignore.
Your car’s brakes bring you safety and neglecting their health can cost you big time. Risking your and others’ lives and causing expensive repairs. In this blog post, we’ll guide you about the signs indicating to replace brake pads.
At Perth Auto Mechanic, we know how vital it is to keep your car’s braking system in peak condition. Our highly skilled mechanics can help you with fast, reliable brake repair services. That keeps your vehicle always road-ready.
Let’s know how to identify the need for brake repair.
Signs Showing That You Should Replace Brake Pads of Your Car
Here are some signs indicating that your brake pads can no longer stop your car effectively. And you should head towards the brake repair services provider.
1. Increased Stopping Distance
Have you found yourself pressing harder and harder on the brake pedal to stop the car?
This is the first sign that your brake pads are worn down. As brake pads thin over time. They lose their ability to generate the necessary friction to stop your vehicle. This can increase stopping distance in emergencies, putting you in a dangerous situation.
Don’t wait until a close call forces you to take action. Regularly check your brake system and address this issue. So, you can save lives and spare yourself from costly repairs.
2. Vehicle Pulling to One Side While Braking
Does your car feel like it has a mind of its own when you press the brakes?
If your vehicle pulls to one side when you try to stop it. It’s a clear sign that something is off with your braking system. The culprits can be:
- Unevenly worn brake pads
- A stuck calliper
- Issues with the brake fluid
Driving with this issue can cause uneven tyre wear. And affect your ability to control the car during sudden stops. There are more chances of crashes in such a situation.
3. Squealing or Squeaking Noises
That high-pitched squeal you are ignoring isn’t just an annoyance. It’s a warning signal!
Most modern brake pads come with wear indicators. That produce a squealing sound to alert you that it’s time to change your brakes. A small metal is attached on the brake pad backing plate for this purpose.
Ignoring this noise can lead to further wear and tear. Eventually resulting in grinding noises that indicate more severe damage. But remember that not all cars contain this feature. So, don’t rely on sounds only to identify your brake pads problems.
4. Vibration While Braking
Do you feel your brake pedal vibrating or pulsating underfoot?
This sensation points to warped rotors or uneven brake pad wear. Warped rotors can occur when they’ve been subjected to excessive heat. Such as during prolonged braking on steep declines in hot weather.
This vibration not only compromises your braking efficiency. But also puts undue stress on your car’s suspension system. A professional brake inspection can identify the root cause and restore smooth & effective braking.
5. Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal
Does your brake pedal feel unusually soft or spongy when you press it?
It means your brake pedal is softer than normal. It can reduce your ability to brake efficiently during sudden stops. This issue is caused by:
- Air in the brake lines
- Low brake fluid
- Worn brake pads
This is a serious issue that shouldn’t be ignored. Because it can put your and others safety on risk in case of emergencies.
6. Grinding Noises Hinting Damage
A grinding or a rumbling growl from your brakes is the sign of most serious damage.
It means that your brake pads are worn down to the metal backing. The metal of your brake pads or shoes is in direct contact with the rotors, discs, or drums. Damaging your car braking system to the worst level possible.
Once you reach this stage, a simple brake pads replacement won’t be enough. You’ll need rotor resurfacing or replacement as well. Don’t wait until you hear this sound. Regular inspections can catch wear before it gets this severe.
7. Brake Warning Light on Display
Modern cars come equipped with dashboard indicators to alert you about all problems. If the brake warning light is illuminated, there is some problem with your braking system.
It can signal:
- Low brake fluid
- Worn pads
- Any other braking system fault
Remember that this light is there for a reason, so don’t ignore it. Bring your car to our experts for a thorough diagnosis and brake repair to keep your vehicle safe on the road.
Once you have identified all symptoms. Now, it’s time to confirm the diagnosis.
How to Confirm the Brake Pads Are Worn Out? Visual Inspection
You don’t need to be a mechanic to do a basic check on your brake pads. Here’s how you can perform a quick visual inspection:
- Check Through the Wheel Spokes: Look for the compressed brake pad against the rotor. You can also remove wheels for a thorough inspection.
- Measure Pad Thickness: If the pad looks thinner than 7mm (about a quarter of an inch) while inspection. It’s time for a brake pads replacement.
- Look for Uneven Wear: Check for uneven pad thickness on both sides of the car. It can indicate problems with the callipers or braking system.
If you’re unsure or can’t notice anything, bring your car to Perth Auto Mechanic. We’ll handle the inspection for you. Now let’s clear some more confusions related to brake repairs of your car.
How Long Do Brake Pads Last?
The lifespan of brake pads varies widely depending on driving habits and conditions.
On average, they last between 48,000 to 110,000 kilometres (30,000 and 70,000 miles). However, several factors influence the longevity of your brake pads.
Let’s have a look at them.
5 Factors That Affect the Life Span of Brake Pads
To better understand how to prolong your brake pad lifespan. We have prepared a list of factors affecting the life span of your brake pads. So, you can widen the time between brake repairs.
- Driving Habits: Aggressive braking and frequent stops can wear out pads faster.
- Driving Environment: Urban driving and hilly terrain increase brake usage.
- Vehicle Load: Heavier vehicles or frequently towing trailers cause more wear on the braking system.
- Brake System Maintenance: Keeping your brake fluid fresh and calipers in good condition can extend pad life.
- Pad Material: Ceramic pads last longer but cost more than semi-metallic options.
Need Experts to Replace the Brake Pads of Your Car?
Get Professional Brake Repair Services at Perth Auto Mechanic
At Perth Auto Mechanic, we offer expert brake repair services for your car. From visual inspections to complete brake system overhauls. Your car’s health is in good hands with Perth Auto Mechanic.
We provide you with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and a team of experienced mechanics. So, you can avail fast, reliable, and affordable service.
Don’t let brake problems compromise your safety.
Book Your Brake Inspection Now
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Let us get you back on the road safely!