When to Change Your Brake Pads

February 8, 2023 Published by admin Leave your thoughts

The braking system on your vehicle is a complex network of parts that need to be replaced periodically. Among those components are brake pads. Brake pads degrade a bit every time you use your brakes. Eventually, they will wear down completely and need to be replaced.

Brake Pedal Pulsation

If your brake pedal pulses when you press down on it, you should have the pads and rotors checked by a certified technician. Brake pad pulsation occurs when the brake pads aren’t making contact with the rotors correctly, and it may be time to replace them. You should also look for signs of warped rotors and high spots on the rotors. When your rotors are warped, they will scrape the brake pads on one side while they’re moving over it. This can cause the brake pads to grab and skip, and you’ll feel it in your pedal as a pulsation.

Brake Squeal Or Squeak

This is a sound that you should not ignore, as it can be very dangerous to drive. You should be checking and changing your brake pads at least once every two or three years, depending on how you use the vehicle. This includes how often you are hauling a trailer or towing your car, as these can wear down the brakes quicker than driving it alone. Some vehicles are equipped with wear indicators in the form of small metal clips that make a squealing noise when the pad is wearing down too much and should be replaced.

Brake Noise

If your brake pads are worn to the point that they have a metallic squealing or grinding noise when you press on them, it’s time for them to be replaced. That’s because metal rubbing on metal can cause severe damage to other parts of your brake system, so getting them changed as soon as possible is important. And while the brake pad noise will go away after a few days, it’s still good to check on it. If the squeaking continues, it’s best to get your brakes checked by a certified mechanic.

Brake Pedal Vibration

Brake pads are made of highly resistant materials that are put under immense strain every time you press the brakes. When your brakes are in good condition, it shouldn’t take much to bring your car to a stop. However, if you notice your brake pedal vibrating, it’s an indication that something is wrong with your brake pads and should be addressed right away to prevent further damage.