Waiting for the brakes to fail before taking action is a mistake you don’t want to make again. The difference between routine maintenance and towing often comes down to one factor: knowledge of brake pad wear. If you press the brake pedal many times over several years, the friction material in the brake pads wears out. Less material means less stopping power. It’s a slow wear and tear that gets worse every time you hit the road.
So how do you know when it’s time to replace your Brake Pads before it’s too late?
The Squeal of Warning
Most modern disc brake systems have small parts that are easily overlooked. This is a wear indicator. It’s a thin piece of metal attached behind the brake pads. Its operation is simple but very important. When the friction pad wears to a critical level, this piece of metal contacts the brake disc.
As a result, a distinct whine or squeak is heard when the brake is pressed. This is not only annoying, but also problematic. It’s a mechanical distress signal. It indicates that the material of the pads has worn out and the metal back plate has started to touch the rotor. If you hear this sound, don’t ignore it. Check the brakes immediately. A strange noise coming from the brakes is never something to “wait and see”.
Visual inspection: The Record Grooves
If you’re going to do the job yourself, visual cues are just as important as audio cues. Remove the wheel and take a closer look at the rotor. If the brake pads are neglected, deep circular marks may appear on the surface. These are called scores.
They are very similar to the grooves of old vinyl records. These scratches are caused by the wear of the metal wear indicator backing plate or pad against the iron rotor. I had to replace the pads a few months ago due to deep scratches.
What about the damage? If the grooves are shallow, the rotor can be machined (or “turned”) to create a new, smooth surface. This is usually cheaper than buying a new set of rotors. However, if the scoring is deep, machining alone is not enough. The rotor must be completely replaced. Driving on scratched rotors can reduce braking performance and cause the steering wheel to vibrate.
Check the piping for leaks
When you’re under your car, don’t just focus on the pads. Check the brake hoses and fittings for cracks, holes and leaks. The brake system is hydraulic. When fluid leaks, the pressure drops. Low pressure means the brakes feel spongy or, worse, stop working altogether.
Check the fittings near the wheel. The system must be sealed tight. There must be no moisture or brake fluid in the caliper or line connections. If a leak is found, determine the source of the leak. A small amount of drip into the hydraulic system can quickly lead to a complete loss of braking ability. You can replace the wires yourself if you have the skills. If not, contact a professional as soon as possible. Do not drive if there is a leak in the brake line.
How long do Brake pads last?
The service life of brake pads is usually tens of thousands of miles. But that number is just a guess. Your actual mileage is determined by two factors: the vehicle you drive and the way you drive it.
City driving, which involves frequent stops and starts, is more likely to cause brake pad wear than highway driving. Heavy vehicles wear faster than light vehicles. Aggressive driving can speed up this process. There is no fixed schedule. You need to listen to the car and check the hardware.
If you are comfortable using a wrench, you can do it yourself without fear. This is one of the easiest maintenance tasks for your car. But if the sound starts and visual inspection shows a deep score, the decision is made.
Next, we explain how your vehicle and tools are made.
