Brake pads (or shoes) are an integral component of your car’s braking system, helping bring it to a halt and stopping your vehicle safely. Unfortunately, over time these components will wear down and must be replaced in order for your braking system to continue functioning optimally.
Most brake pads include built-in wear indicators to inform drivers when their pads are starting to become thin, giving drivers ample warning that their pads have become worn down. Here are 8 ways you can tell if Your Brake Pads Have Been Worn Down.
1. Brake Pedal Noise
If your car seems to be dragging or stopping longer than usual, it could be time for a brake inspection. Low brake fluid levels could also be the source of these symptoms so make sure that’s checked too!
As soon as you step on your brake pedal, a lever forces a piston into a narrow cylinder of hydraulic fluid, forcing it out through an orifice and onto your car’s brake discs (rotors). Brake pads then fit over both sides of these clamped-in rotors, creating friction which slows and stops wheels.
Most brake pads include wear indicators to alert users if their pads become too thin, thus preventing rubbing against metal rotors and potentially damaging them.
2. Brake Pulling
If your customer’s car pulls to one side when braking, this could be a telltale sign of a stuck or malfunctioning brake caliper requiring repair, while severe cases might necessitate replacing their wheel cylinder as well.
Modern brake pads include steel tabs that act as wear indicators to alert drivers when their pads are becoming worn down, such as when their metal tabs scrape against the rotor and emit a high-pitched screech when nearly worn out.
Hearing this sound is a sure sign that the pads require replacement immediately in order to prevent further damage to the rotor.
3. Brake Pedal Vibration
Hydraulic pressure applied to brakes causes brake calipers to squeeze the pads against the rotor in order to slow or stop the vehicle. Worn-down pads may not grip evenly against the rotor, leading to an uncomfortable sensation when applying brake pedal pressure.
Many vehicles utilize clips, bolts, or pins to secure their brake pads in place. Over time, however, these may become loose and cause rattling noises when depressing the brake pedals. A visual inspection can help pinpoint which component(s) may be causing vibration in your pedal, with repair or replacement as the solution to fix this problem.
4. Brake Pedal Squealing
When customers complain that their brakes are squealing, this often indicates worn-down pads are approaching minimum thickness and must be changed out soon. Brake pads contain metal indicators which make a high-pitched sound when reaching this minimum threshold and start to rub against the rotor surface, signaling when its time for replacement.
Unnecessary wear on pads that are already wearing thin will speed their demise while also endangering your rotors, costing additional money in repairs. By replacing these pads as soon as possible, additional costly mechanical problems will be avoided.
Squeaking can also be caused by moisture accumulating on rotors and pads overnight; to prevent this happening, place your vehicle in an enclosed garage or parking facility when not driving it.
5. Brake Pedal Grinding
Cars that have completely worn-out brake pads often make a grinding noise when depressing their brake pedal, as this results in metal pad material rubbing against the rotor, potentially damaging it and decreasing braking power.
Rattling brake pedal noises could be another telltale sign of worn brake pads, as it indicates material separation from its caliper and friction against the rotor when your vehicle stops.
If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your car immediately to one of Metro Motor’s auto maintenance shops as soon as possible for professional diagnosis and repairs. Otherwise, the symptoms could worsen quickly, increasing your chances of injury or even death for both yourself and any passengers on board.
6. Brake Pedal Squealing and Grinding
If you hear a squeal when depressing the brake pedal, this is a telltale sign that new brake pads are needed. This sound is produced by hardened steel in your pads that is designed to alert you of their wear and tear.
When your brake pads begin squealing constantly, this could indicate they have worn down to their minimum thickness and are now making contact with your rotor’s metal – potentially leading to additional components of your braking system being damaged as a result and incurring costly repairs. Squeals could also indicate problems with caliper(s), which holds brake pads in place.
7. Brake Pedal Squealing and Grinding with Brake Pedal Release
Some brake pads come equipped with built-in metal wear indicators that squeal when their pads become thin, which serves as an important warning signal to drivers when it’s time for replacement sets. Allowing worn out pads to wear down too far could lead to damage of rotors resulting in expensive repair bills and preventable breakdowns.
On your next shop visit, inquire of your customers if they have noticed a squealing sound when depressing the brake pedal. Furthermore, take the vehicle up on the lift and visually inspect both brake pads and rotors to make sure that they haven’t worn down too significantly; wear may depend upon driving conditions and style.
8. Brake Pedal Squealing and Grinding While Braking
Squealing brakes should serve as a warning that your pads have begun to wear down, requiring replacement. By ignoring this built-in warning system, however, they could develop into grinding noises which damage rotors further.
As soon as your brake pads begin wearing down, multiple factors may play a part in how quickly they wear down. Drivers who frequently brake on hills, carry more weight or drive in hot weather tend to require brake pad replacement more frequently than others. Scheduling regular inspections with your mechanic can help anticipate when it’s time for replacement; your mechanic will inspect your brakes for uneven pad wear, warped rotors and more in order to ensure optimal performance of the new set of pads.
