5 SIGNS IT'S TIME TO CHANGE YOUR BRAKE PADS

One of the most vital safety components of your vehicle is your brakes. If your brake pads aren’t in proper working condition, you’re more likely to cause an accident. For you and other road users to remain safe on the road, you need to make sure your brake pads are in proper working condition.

Most manufacturers recommend changing brake pads every 25,000 - 65,000 miles. However, the exact number can differ based on the type of vehicle, driving conditions, and driving styles.

For instance, someone who drives in heavy commuter traffic more often engages the brakes a lot more frequently than a person who drives in rural highways.

At Chloe's Auto Repair, we’ve compiled 5 warning signs that can indicate you may need brake pads.

Continue reading to know when to replace brake pads. And know that we are on your side and ready to help you with all of your auto repair needs, including brake pad replacement.

Squealing or Squeaking Coming from Brakes

The most obvious warning sign that the brake pads need to be replaced is strange noises when the brakes are engaged. Most often, you’ll hear a squealing or squeaking noise when you apply pressure to the brake pedal. Most brake pads have wear indicators whose function is to warn the driver when the brake pad has reached its wear limit. When brake pads are excessively worn down, metal wear indicators will scrape against the rotor, creating strange sounds. Ignoring odd noises coming from brakes will eventually make the cost of repair even more expensive. 

Vibration When Braking

Vibration when you engage the brakes is another sign that it’s time to replace your brake pads. A vibrating brake pedal means that your rotors are warped or the brake caliper is stuck. If this issue isn’t resolved as soon as possible, your ability to brake safely could be compromised.

A Decrease in Response Time

Brake pads that are in good working condition work seamlessly when you engage the brakes. However, as the pads wear out, you’ll experience less than ideal stoppage times, and this could compromise your safety on the road. When you start to experience longer stopping times, it’s time to have a trusted auto repair shop inspect your brakes.

Brake Pad Indicator Light Comes On

Most modern vehicles have an indicator light on the dashboard which will inform you when it’s time to replace your brake pads. If your brake pad indicator comes on and your parking brake isn’t engaged, it’s time to visit an auto repair shop and have a professional mechanic inspect your braking system to diagnose the problem.



Thin Brake Pads

One way to tell if your brake pads need to be replaced is to visually inspect them for wear. Simply locate the brake pad on the rotor of the tire through the spokes on your wheels. If it appears less than a ¼ inch thick, you’re probably due for a brake pad replacement.

Looking for an auto repair shop to help you with brake pad replacement? Call Chloe’s Auto Repair.