How Do you Know you Need Brake Replacement?

Author: Long Chad

Maintaining the brakes is an important safety feature for any vehicle owner. Just as the gas mileage varies depending on how or where you drive so does the usage of your brakes. However, most drivers overlook brake maintenance even though they know they can get cheap car brake pads. If the brake system is maintained, you will avoid costly repairs. Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear-cut schedule that lets you know when to replace the brake pads. It is a must for you to pay attention to your car brake pads conditions. This signs will help you in identifying if the brakes pads need to be replaced.

Brake pads are too thin

You need to pay close attention to visual cues. Look at your current brake pads through the car wheel spokes to see if they need to be changed. The outer brake pad is visible because the material presses against a brake disc (metal rotor). If less than a quarter an inch is visible, know that your brake pads are fragile and you have to change them. Some new cars today have dash lights that get turned on if the brake pads are worn out. Another option is to look on the outside to check if brake dust has been building up. The dust darkens the hubcaps and wheels, signifying that your brakes are worn out.

The brake pedal keeps vibrating

If your brake pedal is pulsating each time you press your foot on it, then that’s a sign you need new brake pads. Pulsating brakes is the constant grabbing or the brake vibration a driver feels when they try to apply brakes. This is often caused by warped brake pads due heat or by worn out brake pads. In some cases, brake pads can be re-machined, and the problem gets solved. But if they can’t be re-machined, you really need to buy brake pads.

Brakes making a clicking sound

If your brakes make a clicking noise each time you apply the brakes, then you know you have a problem. Car manufacturers always install a device that stops the brake pads from rattling. The moment you hear a clicking or rattling noise upon the depression of your brakes, know that you need new brake pads.

Brakes making a screeching sound

Other than the clicking or rattling noise, a driver must listen for a screeching sound that is often high-pitched. This screeching noise is made when the car’s brake pedal is pushed down fully. The unpleasant sound is made by a small metal shim that surrounds the brake pads. It acts as an indicator for alerting drivers to replace their brake pads. The sound pitch varies, but you will hear it when your windows are up, and your music isn’t loud. So keep listening!

Brakes make a grinding sound

If you detect a growling or grinding sound each time you press the brake pedal, then you know everything isn’t fine. The brake pads are not the only parts that need to be replaced this time. This sound is produced by the brake caliper and the brake disc rubbing together, indicating that your brake pads are completely worn down. In this case, you may have to replace your brake discs too or have them checked by a qualified mechanic. But if you check and replace your brake pads regularly, you won’t have to incur extra costs replacing more expensive brake parts like the brake discs. Just get cheap car brake padsfor your car.

The vehicle is pulling

Although a car pulling to a certain side of the road may indicate different things, as the wheel alignment is out, it may also mean that the brake pads need replacing. If your car is pulled to one side and you haven’t used the steering wheel when applying the brakes, then this shows that your brake pads are worn down unevenly. But if the car pulls as you drive at a constant speed and you haven’t applied brakes, this pulling indicates another repair issue.

The more you know about your car’s condition, the more you can plan on how to replace the necessary parts in time. In case you are not sure of what to look out for, or you just don’t want to take the responsibility, make sure your brakes are checked the next time you go for the regular car maintenance. Many shops can check the condition of your brake pads for free and advise you accordingly. The sooner you address worn out brakes, the less costs you will incur, and you will be safe. You can get cheap car brake pads from us.