February 15, 2023

Signs Your Brake Pads Need Replacement

It’s important to know when your brake pads need to be replaced. If you wait too long, you could end up with expensive damage to your brake system. In this blog post, we will discuss a range of signs that indicate it’s time for a brake pad replacement.

Keep an eye out for these signs and don’t wait until it’s too late!

What Are Brake Pads And How Do They Work?

Brake pads are an important part of your brake system. They work with brake fluid to stop the vehicle when you push on the brake pedal.

Brake pads are made up of a metal backing plate and material embedded in it, which is designed to wear down over time as they contact other parts while braking (i.e., rotors).

When brake pads are worn down too much, they can’t do their job properly and it can cause damage to other brake system components.

That’s why it’s important to know when your brake pads need replacement and not wait until it’s too late!

Signs Your Brake Pads Need Replacement:

1. There is a metallic squeal that increases in pitch as you brake hard (this means there isn’t enough brake pad left to protect the rotor).

2. The vehicle pulls to one side while braking, which indicates uneven wear; this could be

3. Squealing brake pads. If you hear a high-pitched squealing noise when you brake, it’s a sign that your brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced.

4. Brake pedal feels “spongy”. When your brake pads are worn down, the brake pedal will feel spongy because there isn’t enough brake pad material to create solid contact with the brake rotor.

5. Brake pedal sinks to the floor. If your brake pedal suddenly sinks all the way to the floor, it’s a sign that you have lost braking power and need new brake pads immediately.

6. Vibrating brake pedal. A vibrating brake pedal is another sign that your brake pads need to be replaced.

7. Brake warning light. If your brake pads are worn down too much, the brake warning light will come on to let you know it’s time for a brake pad replacement.

8. Your car doesn’t stop as quickly when braking hard or pressing down on brake pedal with force (this could lead to an accident).

9. Brake pads are visibly worn down. If you can see that your brake pads are significantly worn down, it’s definitely time for a brake pad replacement.

10. There is a burning smell when braking. A burning smell when braking is another sign that your brake pads need to be replaced.

11. Brake rotor is discolored. If the brake rotor on your car is discolored, it’s a clear indication that your brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced.

12. Brake fluid is low. If you check your brake fluid level and discover that it’s low, that could be an indication of brake pad wear.

13. Brake pedal is hard to press down. If you have to exert a lot of force just to get your brake pedal halfway down, then there is probably something wrong with the brake pads on your car and they need to be replaced as soon as possible.

It’s always a good idea to have your brake pads checked regularly, so you can be aware of any signs that they need replacement and avoid costly damage to other brake system components.

If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, it’s likely time to get new brake pads.

The brake pad replacement cost will depend on the type of brake pads needed and if you do it yourself or have a mechanic do it for you.

The brake pad replacement cost can range from $100-$400 depending on what type of brake pads are used (i.e., ceramic, metallic) and how many hours are required to complete the replacement.

How long do brake pads last?

On average, brake pads should be replaced every 50,000 miles.

However, it’s important to note that this number can vary depending on how often you use your car and the type of brake pads installed in the system. You may need new brake pad replacement sooner than others if you drive more frequently or brake harder.

When it’s time for a brake pad replacement, don’t wait until it’s too late! Be safe and get new brake pads as soon as possible if you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned in this article.

It’s always a good idea to have your brake pads checked regularly by a professional, so you can be aware of any signs that they need replacement and avoid costly damage to other brake system components.

 

How do I know brake pads need changing?

5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Brake Pads Squeaking or Squealing Noise Coming From Brakes. The first sign that it's time to replace your brake pads is if you hear persistent squeaking or squealing. ... Indicator Light Turns On. ... Deep Grinding Metal Sound. ... Vibrating Brake Pedal. ... Brake Pads Appear Less Than A ¼ Inch Thick.

What are three 3 signs that brake pads are worn?

Signs The Pads On Your Brakes Need Changing Squeaking. Grinding. Vibration When Braking. Taking Longer To Stop. Indicator Light Comes On. Brake Pads Appear To Be Thin.

How often should brake pads be replaced?

As a general rule, you should get your brake pads replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles to keep wear to a minimum. When it comes to your rotors, you have a bit longer. Your rotors should be replaced between 50,000 and 70,000 miles to keep your brakes in peak health.