Hey, do you want to know the Symptoms of worn brake pads? If yes. Then read this blog till the end.
Imagine you are on a highway driving your car at high speed, and suddenly out of nowhere, a large truck appears in front of you, giving you no space to overtake. Hence, you panic and apply brakes. Unfortunately, your brakes don’t work, and you end up crashing head-on with the truck.
These kinds of accidents occur very frequently in Australia. In the year 2021, there were 1133 casualties due to road accidents. A simple car brake replacement could have saved you from the above scenario.
Brakes are complex mechanical parts that get worn out due to natural wear and tear. To prevent mishaps, it is a good practice to look out for symptoms of worn brake pads.
Here are some signs of worn brake pads that you must look out for:
1. You hear clicking noises:
The wheels of a vehicle have a braking apparatus installed in them that fits inside a metallic disc behind each wheel known as rotors. A device is need to clamp the rotors from both sides, known as calipers. Brake pads at the point of contact of calipers with the rotors, and these pads designed to fit correctly on brake caliper seats.
If the brake pads become loose, they jump up and down when the brakes applied and produce a sharp clicking sound, also called rattling. This sound usually comes whenever the brake pedal is pushed or released. It is one of the most common Symptoms of worn brake pads.
2. Squeaking and grinding noises:
Sometimes, you may hear a faint squeaking or buzzing sound while driving, which goes away as soon as you hit the brakes, only to return when the brake is released. If you hear these mysterious sounds in your car, then it is a Symptoms of worn brake pads and this is a warning sign that you should look out for and contact a qualified professional.
Most modern brake pads come with built-in “wear indicators”. These wear indicators are metal pieces located at the top of your brake pads. When the brake pads wear down to a certain extent, these metal pieces come in contact with a rotor, resulting in screeching noise emissions. This is one of the symptoms of worn brake pads that you should never ignore.
3. Spongy or soft brakes:
Spongy or soft brakes are the symptom of worn brake pads.
If you apply brakes, but it does not offer any resistance and seems soft like a sponge, your brake pads might have worn out. The spongy brakes are not functional until you apply more pressure.
The brakes may become spongy due to some problems with the master cylinder or brake fluid leak. It can also result from air or moisture in the braking system. It is essential to inspect your brakes if you encounter any such issue.
4. Car pulling to one side while braking:
This could happen due to several vehicle issues. However, it may also occur when one of the brake pads gets worn out more than the other. This can also happen due to a bad brake or caliper.
The side of the working brake creates a force that causes the car to pull in its direction. This sign is always subtle, and most drivers do not notice it as the brakes still seem to work. If you find your car swerving in one direction, it’s a symptoms of worn brake pads and you need to visit an auto repair shop.
5. Longer braking distance:
A longer braking distance is also referred to as brake fade and happens when the brake pads frequently come in contact with the rotors, eventually heating both these components.
One metal comes in contact with the other, it does not cause enough friction to stop the car, and the car would not stop as rapidly as it once did. This increases the time taken to stop the car, and the car travels for a longer distance before coming to a halt altogether. If the brakes are not instantly functional when you apply them, it can result in a fatal accident.
6. Brake warning signs:
This one is a no-brainer. If the brake lights flash on your dashboard, it is usually a clear sign that something is wrong with the braking system.
Although this does not necessarily mean that your brakes have worn out, it is advisable to go for brake maintenance service when you notice such signs. Some cars come with brakes indicators. You must look out for them if your car has them.
7. Vibration while braking:
If your steering wheel, car body, or brake pedals vibrate while applying brakes, it might be a sign of worn brake pads. The disc-shaped brake rotors sit inside your car’s wheels, and the brake pads push against these rotors when you hit the brake.
But, when the rotor surface gets worn out due to regular wear and tear, one may experience vibrations when applying brakes in the car. This happens because the braking pad hits the rotor surface, which has become uneven.
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Wrap Up:
Brake pads wear out naturally after 20,000 to 30,000 miles of driving. Otherwise, it might be potentially dangerous for you and your vehicle. If you encounter any of the mentioned signs, it is better to take your car for brake servicing.
We at ASFA Auto care provide the best replacement for your worn-out brake pads. We will provide experienced, licensed technicians with the latest electronic and servicing equipment to provide you with the best service experience when servicing your brake.
Apart from changing your brake pads, our brake servicing also includes: examining the brake calipers and servicing the slides, cleaning and inspecting rotor motors, and many more.
FAQ’s
Q1. What are the common symptoms of worn brake pads?
Ans. Worn brake pads can cause squealing noises, reduced braking efficiency, vibration while braking, and a longer stopping distance.
Q2. How do I know if my brake pads need replacing?
Ans. Signs include screeching sounds, a spongy brake pedal, or the brake warning light on your dashboard.
Q3. Can I drive with worn brake pads?
Ans. Driving with worn brake pads is unsafe as it reduces braking performance and increases the risk of accidents.
Q4. How often should brake pads be replaced?
Ans. Brake pad replacement depends on your driving habits and vehicle type but typically ranges from 30,000 to 70,000 kilometers.
Q5. What happens if I ignore worn brake pads?
Ans. Ignoring worn brake pads can damage the rotors, increase repair costs, and compromise your vehicle’s safety.
Q6. Are noisy brakes always a sign of worn brake pads?
Ans. Not always. Noise can also result from debris, misaligned pads, or rotor issues. However, it’s best to have them checked.
Q7. What is the cost of replacing brake pads?
Ans. The cost varies based on the car model and type of brake pads but typically ranges between $150 and $300 per axle.
Q8. Can I replace brake pads myself?
Ans. Yes, if you have the tools and expertise. However, professional service is recommended for accuracy and safety.
Q9. Are there different types of brake pads?
Ans. Yes, including ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic brake pads, each with unique benefits and suitability for specific vehicles.
Q10. How can I extend the life of my brake pads?
Ans. Drive gently, avoid harsh braking, and regularly inspect your braking system to prevent premature wear.
