4 Signs Your Brake Pads Need to Be Replaced

One of the most important components of your car is its braking system. Why? Because your brakes are a crucial safety feature that ensures you and others remain safe on the road. Driving around with bad brakes puts you and other drivers at risk of severe accidents or injury. Beyond the safety risk, faulty brakes can affect other vehicle elements, including the tires and suspension system. 

It is extremely important that you regularly check how well your brakes are performing. Your brake system components include brake pads, rotors, calipers, wheel cylinders, high pressure brake lines, and a power brake booster. Older vehicles use brake drums and brake shoes.

Brake pads are among the most vital elements of the braking system and are considered normal wear items since they regularly undergo friction to stop your vehicle. As a rule of thumb, brake pads should be replaced about every 40,000 miles. 

4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Brake Pads

1. 1. 1. Squeaking or Squealing Noises: If you hear persistent squeaking or squealing when you apply the brakes, it is time to change your brake pads. When the brake pads are worn to the point of needing replacement, a thin metal strip in the pads will make a screeching noise or squeal when you apply the brakes. 
      2. Indicator Light Turns On: In some models of cars, there is a sensor on the brake that will trigger when the brake pads become worn down. When brake pads are worn to this point, the sensor sends an electric signal to your dashboard which causes your brake light to turn on. When this brake light illuminates, it’s time to visit a brake shop to have a professional look at your brake pads and recommend how soon to replace them as well as the correct type for your vehicle.
      3. Deep Grinding Metal Sound: Some brake pads are constructed with small metal ridges on the bottom of the pads that make a loud noise to alert the driver that it’s time to get new brake pads. If you hear this deep grinding sound, the metal ridges are grinding on other metal areas of your brake system such as your rotors. This could create much more damage, causing you to need more extensive repairs and replacements than just new brake pads if the problem is not fixed immediately.
      4. Vibrating Brake Pedal: If the car shakes or the steering wheel vibrates when you apply pressure to the brake pedal and stops when you let off, it’s time to have your brakes serviced. A vibrating brake pedal is not normal, and to avoid any further damage to your car or a potential accident, it is vital to have your vehicle checked by a professional auto mechanic right away.

 

Where Can I Get Expert Brake Service?

Visit an auto repair shop like Postle Tire Barn and have a mechanic check your brakes for wear and damage. The brakes are one of the top safety parts of any vehicle, so it’s essential to keep them in tip-top condition. You need to have your brake pads examined if you notice any of the above signs. Schedule an appointment today for brake service and repairs.

Postle Tire Barn is a fully insured, family owned and operated tire and auto repair shop located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. For more than 45 years, we’ve been West Alabama’s tire, brake and suspension experts.