One of the most important features of your car is your brakes. In order for you as well as others to remain safe on the road it’s imperative that you check how well your brakes are performing. As a rule of thumb, brake pads should be replaced about every 50,000 miles. However, every car is different and there are a variety of warning signs that can indicate you may need new brake pads.
Here are 5 signs it’s time to replace your brake pads:
Squeaking or Squealing Noise Coming From Brakes
The first sign that it’s time to replace your brake pads is if you hear persistent squeaking or squealing. Although squeaky brakes can be normal in some weather conditions—rain, for example—having squeaky brakes during every weather condition indicates there may be a problem. If your brakes are squeaking persistently it’s time to have your car and brakes evaluated by a professional.
Indicator Light Turns On
Another sign that it’s time to replace your brake pads is when the indicator light turns on. In some models of cars there is a sensor on the bake pad that will trigger when the brake pads become worn down. If your brake light turns on, you need to get a professional to take a look at your brake pads and make a recommendation on how soon to replace them.
Deep Grinding Metal Sound
If you hear a deep grinding metal sound, that’s another indication that it’s time to replace your brake pads. On some brake pads, small metal ridges will be put into the bottom of the pad as a way to make a loud noise and alert the driver that it’s time to get new brake pads. If you hear this deep grinding sound make sure to take your car to an auto professional right away. If you let the metal ridges grind on other metal areas of your tire it could create much more damage causing you to need more extensive repairs and replacements than just brake pads.
Vibrating Brake Pedal
A fourth sign that it might be time to replace your brake pads is a vibrating brake pedal. If it is challenging to stop your car with your current brake pedal and it vibrates or feels unsteady as you press down, this means that your brake pads have worn out. A vibrating brake pedal is not normal and in order to avoid any further damage to your car or a potential accident, it’s important to have your car checked right away.
Brake Pads Appear Less Than A ¼ Inch Thick
A final way to analyze whether it’s time to replace your brake pads is to simply look at them. By looking between the spokes on your wheels you should be able to locate the brake pad on the rotor of the tire. If it appears less than a ¼ inch thick, that’s likely an indication that they need to be replaced soon.
One way to prolong the life of your brakes is to have your tires rotated every 6 months. This will prevent one particular area of your tires from becoming worn down. Taking the proper steps to ensure your brake pads are still effectively working as well as getting them changed regularly will help you prevent more substantial brake damage. By keeping an eye on these signs of worn down brake pads, you can be proactive and save money in the long run. If you need to have your brake pads examined due to the above five signs, or if you have other reasons for concerns, contact H&H Mobil for all your brake needs.