Modern vehicles have many systems and technologies designed to keep you safe on the road. However, the most critical safety system on board is your brakes. Properly functioning brakes let you slow or stop your car to avoid dangers, preventing collisions and costly accidents.
Like most other vehicle components, brakes require regular inspections and maintenance. The brake pads are the braking system’s wear parts, meaning they have a limited lifespan and should be replaced. However, unlike oil or filters, brake pad lifetime varies depending on your driving style and local conditions.
Learn the four most common signs to replace brake pads so you know when to schedule a brake service.
1. Squealing, Screeching, or Grinding Noises When Braking
Since the mid-1990s, most vehicles have been equipped with disc brakes. In a disc brake system, the brake pads are layers of material between the actual brake discs and the brake calipers. When you push the brake pedal, the brake calipers engage the brake pads, squeezing them down on the discs. It applies friction, slowing the vehicle down.
A brand-new brake pad is approximately half an inch thick. Over time and with usage, friction gradually wears the brake pads down, similar to how tire rubber wears down and loses tread depth.
At the end of a brake pad’s life, when they are down to about ⅛ of an inch or less, they produce a screeching noise. This is one of the most common signs you need to replace your brake pads. Consider this noise a built-in warning system; if you hear the grind, it’s time to change your brake pads.
2. Metallic Grinding Noises When Braking
Allowing the brake pads to wear down completely causes the brake calipers to make direct contact with the discs, leading to metal-on-metal friction. This produces a noticeably loud metallic grinding noise. Besides being less effective, brakes with completely worn-out pads accelerate the deterioration of more expensive brake components like rotors, discs, and calipers.
It’s advisable to schedule regular brake pad replacement services before they wear out entirely. If you notice metallic grinding noises while braking, this is a sign to replace your brake pads and, potentially, your discs and calipers. Arrange for a brake inspection and repair service promptly, allowing a professional mechanic to evaluate the condition of your brakes.
3. Car Pulls to One Side When Braking
Properly functioning brakes should slow down all four tires of your car, safely reducing its speed or bringing it to a stop. If your vehicle seems to veer to the left or right while braking, it may indicate that one or both brake pads on the opposite side are more worn than the others.
For example, if the brake pads on the right side exhibit more wear than those on the left, they cannot apply as much braking force to the right wheels, causing the car to pull to the left.
A common cause of this issue is a stuck or malfunctioning brake caliper. Wear and tear can impair the function of your calipers, leading to uneven brake pad wear. If this happens, consider it a sign to replace your brake pads and calipers. Schedule a brake service as soon as possible to restore your brakes’ original function and performance.
4. Strong Vibrations While Braking
Are you experiencing unusual vibrations or pulsations, particularly under your brake pedal, while braking? This sensation indicates uneven brake pad wear and potential issues with more critical components of your braking system.
A warped or damaged brake rotor is one of the most common causes of vibrations while braking. This issue is typically caused by frequent hard braking that generates excessive friction and heat. With repeated occurrences, this heat can distort and harm the rotor’s surface. The vibrations occur when the brake pads encounter an uneven surface, leading to uneven wear on the brake pads.
Regardless of the underlying cause, consistent strong vibrations during braking warrant scheduling an inspection of your brake system with a reliable mechanic. They can assess which brake components require repair or replacement, from pads to rotors, discs, calipers, and others.
Keep Your Brakes in Top Shape with Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Brakes are the first and most important safety device on any motor vehicle. Good driving habits and regular maintenance are essential to ensure your brake pads’ continued performance and extend their lifespan. Due to the lack of a specific replacement interval, it is essential to learn the signs to replace your brake pads and schedule service as soon as you recognize one of them.
If your car needs brake service, you can trust the mechanic team at Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to handle it. We can thoroughly inspect your car’s braking system and perform any repairs, from brake pad replacements to full brake system servicing. Schedule an appointment with our team today.
FAQs
How Long Do Brake Pads Last?
A brake pad’s longevity depends primarily on how often you drive and how hard you brake. One of the best ways to extend the life of your brake pads is to anticipate obstacles and curves and brake progressively. Avoid sudden or aggressive braking unless necessary.
How Often Do You Need Your Brakes Changed?
Assuming you regularly inspect and replace your brake pads as needed, your brake discs should last at least 50,000 miles. Your brake rotors should be replaced at least once every 3 or 4 brake pad replacements.
Remember that how often you should change your brakes varies based on driving habits, local environment, geographical factors, and whether you’re replacing front or rear brakes. Generally, front braking components (pads, discs, rotors, calipers) wear out quicker than rear systems. City driving or traversing hilly terrain often involves more frequent braking than highway or open-road use.
Should I Replace All Four Brake Pads at the Same Time?
When booking a brake service for a brake pad replacement, trustworthy mechanics typically recommend replacing brake pads in pairs, either for the front or rear. However, it’s advisable to consider replacing all four simultaneously, even if one pair seems fine. This practice can enhance your car’s braking performance, ensuring consistency and optimal functionality.
