When Should You Replace Brake Pads?
Knowing the signs of worn-out brake pads and brake rotors is critical for safe driving. You may potentially be preventing an accident caused by failing brakes. But how do you know when should you replace brake pads? And do you need to replace brake rotors at the same time?
The brake pads are a vital component of the brake system, located between the brake shoe (the part that clamps down, slowing the tires’ rotation) and the brake drum. Every time you engage your brakes, the friction created causes minute amounts of wear and tear. Over time, this deterioration starts to add up and the pads, as well as the brake rotors, will become thinner and thinner.
How do you know when to replace brake pads?
- Screeching or squealing noise -- This sound is caused by a small, metallic shim indicator that’s embedded in the brake pad for this purpose. A thin layer of dust on the pads can also cause a similar sound, but it will go away when using the brakes.
- Less than ¼” of Brake Pad -- You, or your mechanic, can visually inspect the brake pads by looking through the tire spokes. If less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters), it is time to replace them.
- Metallic Grinding and Growling -- Not only are your brake pads worn away, but there is metal on metal contact between your brake discs and calipers.
- Dash Warning Lights -- Check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle comes equipped with an indicator light on the dashboard signaling when it’s time to replace the brake pads.
So when should you replace brake pads? They can generally last between 30,000-35,000 miles. This will vary, of course, depending on how and where you drive your vehicle.
Should you replace your brake rotors when the pads are replaced? The old brake pads and the old rotors were worn down together. The pads hit the rotors in the same spots hundreds of times a day. When you replace the pads, the rotors will still have worn grooves. Thus, the pads and rotors are not making full contact. As a result, your car does not have full stopping power.
Your brake repair technician can advise you as to whether the brake rotors should be replaced, or if they can simply be smoothed out to perform many more miles.
Wondering when should you replace brake pads? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about replacing brake pads and brake rotors and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
Knowing the signs of worn-out brake pads and brake rotors is critical for safe driving. You may potentially be preventing an accident caused by failing brakes. But how do you know when should you replace brake pads? And do you need to replace brake rotors at the same time?
The brake pads are a vital component of the brake system, located between the brake shoe (the part that clamps down, slowing the tires’ rotation) and the brake drum. Every time you engage your brakes, the friction created causes minute amounts of wear and tear. Over time, this deterioration starts to add up and the pads, as well as the brake rotors, will become thinner and thinner.
How do you know when to replace brake pads?
- Screeching or squealing noise -- This sound is caused by a small, metallic shim indicator that’s embedded in the brake pad for this purpose. A thin layer of dust on the pads can also cause a similar sound, but it will go away when using the brakes.
- Less than ¼” of Brake Pad -- You, or your mechanic, can visually inspect the brake pads by looking through the tire spokes. If less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters), it is time to replace them.
- Metallic Grinding and Growling -- Not only are your brake pads worn away, but there is metal on metal contact between your brake discs and calipers.
- Dash Warning Lights -- Check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle comes equipped with an indicator light on the dashboard signaling when it’s time to replace the brake pads.
So when should you replace brake pads? They can generally last between 30,000-35,000 miles. This will vary, of course, depending on how and where you drive your vehicle.
Should you replace your brake rotors when the pads are replaced? The old brake pads and the old rotors were worn down together. The pads hit the rotors in the same spots hundreds of times a day. When you replace the pads, the rotors will still have worn grooves. Thus, the pads and rotors are not making full contact. As a result, your car does not have full stopping power.
Your brake repair technician can advise you as to whether the brake rotors should be replaced, or if they can simply be smoothed out to perform many more miles.
Wondering when should you replace brake pads? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about replacing brake pads and brake rotors and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
