Signs My Brake Pads Are Going Bad

Generally speaking, you should plan to have your brake pads changed every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. The brake system needs brake pads with plenty of surface on them to generate the friction needed to produce the energy needed to stop your automobile. Here are signs that your brake pads are too low and need to be changed. Bring your vehicle to our shop right away.

If you have noticed that it takes a much longer distance for your automobile to stop, the brake pads need to be changed. Your vehicle’s brake system is not creating enough friction and kinetic energy to stop the vehicle quickly. This is a sign that the brake pads have very little surface left.

Your brakes may also start to squeak or squeal when you apply the brakes. This can be caused by excess heat from the metal-on-metal contact between the brake pad backings and the rotors or sensors embedded in the brake pads that are designed to squeal or squeak when the pads are too low.

We just mentioned that the brake pad backings can make contact with the rotors. This happens if the brake pad surfaces have worn out completely. Consequently, there is no surface left and your brakes will grind or scrape when you apply the brakes. Failing to replace the pads can damage the rotors.

In addition to the grinding or scraping sounds, your vehicle may also vibrate when you slow down and stop if the brake pads are wearing down unevenly or are completely worn. This can be a sign that the metal backings of the brake pads are grinding against the rotors and warping the rotor surfaces.

Some newer vehicles are equipped with a brake pad indicator light that tells you the brake pads are too low. If your vehicle does not have a light specific to the brake pads, you may end up with an illuminated ABS or Brake light on the dashboard if the brake pad surfaces are too low.

We can determine quickly if you need new brake pads. Part of our brake inspection service, which should be done every 12,000 miles, includes measuring the brake pads. If the surface is 1/4-of-an-inch or lower, you need to replace the brake pads because they are too low.

Call us today to schedule an appointment for a brake inspection if you believe your brake pads are too low. We would be happy to inspect and measure them.