You're driving along and press down on your brakes to slow, only to hear a loud squealing noise. Are your brake pads bad? Do they need to be replaced? Well, there are certain key symptoms that can indicate your vehicle needs a brake pad replacement service. Let's take a look at the various signs and how often they may need to be replaced.
A typical car has two pads on each wheel, the front, and the rear. The front brake pads usually will wear out more quickly, up to two to three times faster than the pads on the rear wheels because that is where the brakes are most under pressure. This can lead to needing front brake pads sooner. These are typically the pads that need to be replaced most often.
Brake pads generally need to be replaced after 50,000 miles or so, but it totally depends on your driving habits, the quality of the brake pads installed, and the make, model, and age of your vehicle. Your car's owner's manual will have more detailed information regarding the best intervals for replacing your car's brake pads. Be sure to follow this guide for the best car maintenance!
Driving with worn brake pads can mean trouble for many different reasons. First, it can cause the rotors to become damaged or warped. Second, it can cause your brakes to fail unexpectedly while on the road. If you want to check your brake pads yourself, you can look at them through the spaces between your wheel spokes. The outside pad will be pressed against a metal rotor. There should be at least 1/4 inch of pad left. Less than 1/4 inch of pad means you need to have your brake pads replaced. Other signs that they need to be replaced include: squealing when braking, car pulls to one side when braking, burning smell, vibrating when braking, and brake fade.
If you suspect that you need new brake pads, don't hesitate to bring your car to Pro Drive today!