Properly maintained car brakes are critical for safe driving, but they are often overlooked even if the vehicle starts feeling different than normal. Most cars are outfitted with discs and brake pads. As you press on the brake pedal, a pair of calipers with brake pads grips the wheel disc and slows the car down […]
Properly maintained car brakes are critical for safe driving, but they are often overlooked even if the vehicle starts feeling different than normal. Most cars are outfitted with discs and brake pads. As you press on the brake pedal, a pair of calipers with brake pads grips the wheel disc and slows the car down to a stop. These pads slowly break down over time, requiring replacement. Several signs tell you when it is time for new brakes.
Squealing
Wear indicators on the pads generate a high pitch squeal each time you press on the brake pedal. There is no damage to your brakes when the indicators activate, but you need to replace the pads soon before any damage can occur.
Grinding
You have already damaged your brake discs if a grinding noise occurs. There is no longer any indicators on the pads and the disc is being scraped and permanently damaged by the calipers. You may have a big repair ahead of you to resurface the discs and replace the pads.
Observe The Pad
Take a look at the pads through the tires or when the vehicle has a tire rotation. The pads should be at least one-quarter of an inch thick. Pads thinner than this specification should be replaced as soon as possible.
Brake Dust
If you happily observe that your wheels are staying cleaner longer, it is time to inspect and possibly replace the pads. Accumulating brake dust on the wheels shows that the pads have material to wear down. Clean wheels indicates no pad wearing and possible damage to the discs.
Lack Of Response
Your car should immediately respond when you press the brake pedal. If you must push the pedal down farther than normal, check your brake pads. They may be so low that they barely touch the disc itself. Your brake fluid could be low as well, forcing you to press the pedal almost to the floor to engage.
Car brakes should be inspected every 3 to 6 months, depending on your driving pattern. Be aware of your car’s normal feel and replace pads on-time to avoid costly repairs.
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