How To Know When To Replace Your Brake Pads
Replacing brake pads is an integral piece of maintenance that’ll keep your car running smoothly, and more importantly, maximize the safety of your driving experience. Luckily, there are certain things you can look out for to know when it’s time to get them changed.
Here are a few things to look out for to help you know when to replace your brake pads:
You brake slower with the same amount of pressure.
There’s a squealing sound when you brake.
You hear a grinding sound when you brake.
The brake light turns on.
The brake pedal vibrates.
The brake pad is ⅛ inch (3.18 mm) thick or less.
Your brakes ‘pull’ to one side.
Your brakes fail in any way.
In this article, I’ll be covering everything you need to know about brake pads: how long they last, signs they need to be changed, how to check them, and more.
BMW Brake
Signs You Need To Replace Your Brake Pads
It doesn’t take a detective or mechanic to notice the signs that your brake pads are worn out, but the indicators can be less than obvious for most people. However, with a bit of patience and practiced observation, you’ll be able to spot the symptoms of worn-out brake pads.
You Brake Slower with the Same Amount of Pressure
The first sign your brake pads are getting thin is when your car brakes more slowly.
If you have to press down further on the brake pedal to get the same effect as you used to, your brake pads might be nearing the end of their service life.
This should be quite obvious, and if you’re feeling this, it’s vital you see a mechanic as soon as possible.
There’s a Squealing Sound When You Brake
Squeaking or squealing is the first audible sign of your brakes being worn out.
While brakes can squeak during the rain, persistent squealing is a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore. To avoid damage to your brake systems, have your brakes serviced at this point.
You Hear a Grinding Sound When You Brake
If you ignore the squealing, an unpleasant grinding metal sound when you brake is what happens next, which means your brake pads are entirely gone.
Some brake pads make this noise as a warning sign, but it can also be the rotors grinding away with no brake pads present.
Immediately have your car serviced by a trusted mechanic if you hear this. If you ignore this, you risk extensive damage to your brake system and surrounding areas.
The Brake Light Turns On
Some cars, like newer Subarus and BMWs, have indicator lights that come on when your brake pads are getting too thin and trigger a certain sensor built into the braking system.
If you see this light come on, it’s best to have your brakes checked by a trusted professional for an accurate estimate on whether they need to be changed.
The Brake Pedal Vibrates
Feeling a distinct vibration when you brake isn’t normal. This vibration could be the rotor warping and unevenly wearing away your brake pads – both of these are very, very bad.
To prevent further damage to your brakes, get your car checked out right away.
The Brake Pad Is ⅛ Inch (3.18 mm) Thick or Less
If you check your brake pads yourself on a suspicion that they’re worn and find that they’re 3 mm (0.12 in) or less, it’s probably a safe bet you should just bite the bullet and get them changed.
Thinking, “Oh, I have a little time left,” and forgetting about it could cause damage you don’t want.
