How Do You Know When You Need New Brake Pads?

Your brakes are arguably among the most important safety features of your vehicle. And your brake pads are integral to their function. They’re the bits that create the friction necessary to slow or stop your vehicle. And it’s vital that you keep them in good working condition.

On average, most people will need to replace their brake pads every 40,000 to 50,000 miles. But there will always be times and conditions that mean your pads need replacing sooner rather than later. These are the warning signs that will let you know that your brake pads need attention.

Five Warning Signs That Your Brake Pads Need Replacing

1. Your brakes squeal

One of the first clues that your pads need replacing is a squealing sound whenever you apply pressure to your brake pedal. This indicates that your brake pads have worn down and need attention before further damage occurs.

2. A grinding sound when you brake

If you notice a grinding noise when you apply your brakes, you need to replace your pads as soon as possible. The noise points to the fact that your pads are significantly diminished, which could be leading to further damage to other parts of your car – including the rotors. And any additional damage will always lead to additional costs.

3. Your stopping time has increased

You probably don’t need us to tell you this, but if it’s taking your vehicle longer to stop, you need to see a mechanic. There are various reasons why the problem may have occurred – your brake fluid is low or leaking, your pads have completely worn down, or your tyres need attention. But if you’re taking longer to stop than you should do, you’re a danger to yourself and other road users.

4. Vehicle vibrations

If your car seems to vibrate when the brake pedal is pressed, the likelihood is that your brake pads are showing uneven wear. This can be a strong indicator that your car needs other attention, possibly due to rotor issues.

5. Your brake system warning light comes on

And finally, a fairly obvious sign of pad problems that shouldn’t be ignored is if your brake system warning light comes on. Although it sounds obvious, this one isn’t always clear, as your brake system warning light will also appear if you’ve engaged your parking brake. But if the warning appears and your parking brake is not in use, then it’s worth seeking help to ensure that there isn’t a problem.

Between 2013 and 2018, defective brakes were the leading cause of road traffic accidents in the UK. If you want to avoid becoming a part of the next set of statistics, it’s a good idea to ensure the health of your braking system. And brake pads play a massive part in that.

If you need help finding high-quality brake pads for your vehicle, get in touch with Online Automotive today.