Brake pads are the parts of your brakes that press against the rotor to create stopping power. This is why it’s no surprise that brake pads are typically the first brake component to wear out and need replacement.
You should replace your brake pads every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, but this isn’t always the case because your brake pads can wear at different rates due to weather, driving style, and terrain. It’s important to pay attention to other telltale signs that your brake pads are at the end of their life.
Here are five signs it’s time to replace your brake pads:
- Screeching Noise: A high-pitched screeching sound typically indicates your brake pads need to be replaced. This is actually intentional in the design of the brake pad. The screeching occurs when a purposefully placed piece of metal within the brake pad (called the wear indicator) comes in contact with the brake rotor. It indicates that the brake pads are worn down.
- Slow to Stop: Your brake pads work by generating the friction needed to stop your vehicle. If you’re noticing that you need to apply the brakes harder and longer to come to a stop, then your brake pads likely aren’t performing optimally and need to be replaced.
- Vibrations When Braking: When braking, if your vehicle shakes or your steering wheel vibrates or you can feel it on your brake pedal, this can be a sign that your brake pads are worn. Good brake pads allow the vehicle to smoothly stop.
- Visible Signs: You can actually see if your brake pads have wear and tear. If they are less than a quarter-inch thick, then they should be replaced.
- Grinding Noise: Now this noise is not intentional like the screeching noise from the metal wear indicator in your brake pads. If you hear a grinding noise, then there is no brake pad left. Replacement is needed urgently.
Please reach out to schedule a brake pad check and replacement if needed!