We all rely on our cars to get us where we need to go every day. We also rely on our cars to get us there safely. There are many systems and parts of the car that you need to work properly to drive safely, and it’s important to repair or replace them when they start to wear out. You don’t want to put off any auto repairs, but especially not a car brake replacement. Your car’s brakes are made up of multiple components working together. The parts that are most likely to wear out are the brake pads and rotors.
Do you need a care brake replacement? Here’s how you can tell.
Noises When You Brake
When the brake pads start to wear down, they make a high-pitched squeak or squeal when they make contact with the rotors. As the pads wear down further, that noise will switch to a grinding sound. It’s best not to reach that point, so you should always have squeaky brakes checked out as soon as you can.
Vibrations When Braking
When you depress the brake pedal, the brake pads squeeze against the rotors. Over time, the rotors, as well as the brake pads, start to wear out. Because the rotors are metal, when they get too thin, they can warp because of the heat from the friction of the brake pads. When the brake pads press against the warped rotors, that causes a vibration that you can feel through the brake pedal.
Longer Stop Times
You expect your car to come to a stop in a matter of seconds when you engage the brakes. If you have to stand on the brake to bring your car to a complete stop, that usually means the brake pads are completely worn down. It could also mean that the brake fluid is low, possibly because of a leak.
Visible Thin Brake Pads
If you think your brake pads are worn, you can check for yourself. Look between the spokes of your wheels to find the brake pads. If they appear to be less than ¼ inch thick, it’s time to replace them.