Maintaining a safe and reliable car requires regular servicing, as well as taking care of the brakes. Should you replace all 4 brakes or just the squeaky ones? We’ll tackle this common car maintenance question and look at the signs which show that it’s time for new brakes, along with the pros and cons of replacing all four pads.
This blog will help you understand the right brake and pad replacement time and ensure your car stops safely every time. We’ll also provide information on brake pad wear and signs that indicate replacement is necessary!
What are Brake Pads
They are the components that come into direct contact with the brake rotors (shiny discs) behind your wheels, to generate friction. This friction is what ultimately decelerates and halts your vehicle. Brake pads gradually erode over time due to this friction. As they thin out, their capacity to grip the rotors and effectively stop your car decreases. This underscores the importance of comprehending brake pads and their state. Routine inspections and replacements guarantee that these can persist in safeguarding you on the road.
Front vs. Rear Brakes – Do They Both Need Replacing?
Even if the brake pads are sold in sets for both front and rear axles. But replacing all four at once might not be necessary. Here’s why: science! Think hitting the brakes hard – your car naturally dips forward. This is basic physics at play.
Front brakes wear out faster because of a concept known as weight transfer. When you brake, the vehicle’s weight naturally moves towards the front. This intense pressure creates tons of friction, causing those front pads to wear down faster. So, replacing both front pads at once often makes sense. But the rears might have plenty of life left in them, saving you some cash (and emotional distress!).
Factors Affecting the Rear Pad Wear
By now we all know front brakes do most of the work during braking. But did you know technology and driving habits can play a significant role in rear brake pad wear? Let’s see how:
1. Tech’s Influence
Technology plays a significant role in modern braking systems. For instance, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) ensures a more balanced distribution of braking power between the front and rear wheels, potentially causing increased wear on the rear brake pads compared to vehicles lacking EBD.
Similarly, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) rapidly pumps the brakes to prevent them from locking during hard stops, which can also lead to greater wear on the rear brakes. Some cars have both EBD and ABS, further influencing rear brake pad wear.
2. Driving Habits Matter
- Aggressive Braking by Heavy-footed drivers who slam on the brakes frequently will experience faster wear on all rear brake pads.
- Frequent mountain driving or stop-and-go city traffic requires more braking, and accelerating wear on both front and rear pads.
80% Worn Rule for Brake Pads Replacement
Ever wonder how to tell if your brake pads are getting worn down? There’s a simple trick! Most brake pads come with a built-in wear indicator. This is a thin metal strip that will make a grinding noise when the pad material wears down to around 20% thickness. That’s your cue to get them replaced.
Why 20% Remaining Thickness?
With 80% of the pad worn away, its ability to stop your car safely is significantly reduced. This is especially risky during emergencies where you need maximum braking power.
How to Measure Pad Thickness?
Ideally, use a special tool that can measure thickness without removing the pads from the calliper. But if you’ve already taken them off, a regular ruler will do the job in a pinch. Getting help from a car mechanic in Adelaide is also a wise decision.
Why Change Both Front and Rear Brake Pads at Once?
There are a few reasons:
- Similar Wear Rate: While the fronts handle 70% of braking, the smaller size of rear pads can make them wear out at a similar pace to the fronts.
- Manufacturer Recommendations: Some carmakers require replacing all four pads for optimal braking performance and safety.
- Balanced Braking: Having new pads on both axles ensures even braking force distribution, crucial for maintaining control during stops.
Don’t wait until your brakes are completely worn out! Often check their thickness and replace them when they reach the 20% mark to ensure your safety on the road.
Don’t Ignore These Signs: Brake Pads When to Replace
Keeping your brakes in top shape is crucial for safe driving. But how do you know when they need attention?
Here are some warning signs that your Brakes Might Be Saying SOS.
Sign- 1: We all know those pesky lights, but some deserve immediate attention. A red or yellow service light, often accompanied by an exclamation point and “brake” or “ABS” warning, is a clear sign to get your brakes checked. (Double-check your parking brake first, though! A lit “P” means it’s engaged, not a brake problem.) Older cars might not have this fancy feature, so be extra vigilant for other signs.
Sign-2: Regular inspections can uncover brake pad issues. Even if you don’t require inspections, a mechanic can visually assess pad thickness and suggest if brake pad replacement is needed.
Sign-3: Squealing, screeching, or any kind of annoying noises when braking means the metal backing of your worn pads is scraping the rotors. This can damage your rotors too – a costly fix!
Sign-4: A vibrating or shaking steering wheel while braking can indicate uneven rotors or worn pads. Rotors wear unevenly, and this creates friction that can wear down your pads or leave bumps on the rotors. When you brake, your pad hits these imperfections, causing the shaking.
Sign-5: A spongy, or mushy brake pedal with less (or more) resistance than usual signifies potential problems. This could be air or moisture in the system, brake fluid loss, or issues with the master cylinder.
Additional Factors to Consider When Changing Brake Pads
Making sure your car’s brakes are in excellent condition is essential for safety and cost-effectiveness. Here are a few key aspects to consider before car brake replacement:
- Your vehicle’s requirements: Refer to your owner’s manual for guidance tailored to your specific vehicle.
- Cost considerations: While it may initially cost more to replace all four pads, it could lead to savings on rotor replacements over time. Look for brake repairs in Adelaide for any deals that might make all-four-pad replacement cheaper.
- Safety first: Get a car brake specialist’s advice. They can measure pad thickness and recommend the best course of action, prioritizing safety over short-term savings.
- Long-term planning: Consider future maintenance and how well-maintained brakes can impact resale value and insurance.
Also read: How to Diagnose and Fix Vibrations of the Brakes
Brake Service is Important, But Don’t Assume all Four Need Replacing
At Asfa Auto Care, we recommend going beyond a DIY approach and getting help from a qualified car mechanic in Adelaide. Regular checks are essential to keep you safe while driving and prevent expensive repairs later on.
Don’t allow worn-out brakes to endanger you and your family. Prioritize your safety and peace of mind for all your car maintenance needs. Contact the auto repair shop today!
