To have continuous and safe driving it is important to have car brakes that work when you want them to.
The car brake is one of the most important life-saving features that you need to always check and maintain.
Check to see if they look and work fine and maintain it so that they will stay that way.
If you are familiar with the inner workings of a car you know very well that brake pads should be replaced if the car has already reached more or less 50,000 miles.
But not all cars are created equal. There are different factors to consider and there are a variety of cars so everyone does not have the same experience.
However, every new car owner can ask themselves this question, “How do I know if my brake pads are worn out?’’
Here Are Warning Signs That Your Brake Pads are Worn Out
1. High pitch squealing sound from the brakes
If the brake pads are old and have been well used, you will start to hear a high pitch squeaking sound coming from the car brakes.
This is a sign that you should take a look at your brake pad’s condition. The squealing sound happens when the brake pads get worn down over time from use.
If you don’t replace the brake pads after hearing the squeaking sound for a time then your rotors can get damaged which will be more expensive to repair.
2. Deep metal grinding sound when you brake
After you hear the high pitch squeaking sound mentioned above you will start to hear a deep metal grinding sound, that is when it is another sign that you need to replace the brake pads as soon as possible.
Brake pads have metal indicators that are on the bottom of the pad, they will make a deep loud noise to inform you that your brake pads need to be replaced.
If this happens when you hear the sound and don’t know what to do, don’t panic and bring your car into a professional repair shop, they will replace the brake pads for you and look for any damage.
3. You feel vibration when you brake
If you feel vibration when you use the brake pedal then you need to bring your car in to get professional help. Let our guys at NOLA Automotive Repairs assist you.
A vibrating brake pedal indicates that something is wrong and if you wait and further it can create other damages to your car.
When the brake pedal vibrates it means that your rotors are twisted and out of shape.
4. It takes longer than usual to brake
The brakes need to be replaced when you feel that it takes longer than usual to brake.
The brake pads are so thin that the brakes don’t stop the car when you want them to instantly.
It is dangerous when this happens as this may be a potential for an accident.
Have your car checked immediately and have it replaced.
5. Indicator light is on
When the indicator light in your dashboard turns out, this is a sign that there is a problem with your brake pads.
Have an expert take a look at your brake pads and get their advice on when to replace them.
What Happens When Brake Pads Wear Out?
When you use your brake in your car small parts of the brake pads are worn down.
Over time as you use the brakes, it gets more worn and thinner.
When this happens the small metal indicators will rub with the discs and drums and will damage them as a result.
Not replacing your brake pads even when there are many signs that indicate that you should damage the rotors, calipers, and even damage your car tires.
How Long Do Brake Pads Last?
Brake pads usually last 3-7 years depending on the severity of use.
Brake pads should be replaced if the car’s miles reach a range of 40,000 miles to 70,000 miles if the owner takes care of the brake pads well and how they drive their car.
At What Percentage Do You Replace Brake Pads?
Many mechanics will say that you should already start to replace your brake pads if it reaches 40% of your brake pads’ capacity.
Any lower than 25% then it is very dangerous to still keep on driving and using the brake pads.
Related: How Do I Know If My Front Or Rear Brakes Are Bad?
Prevention is always better than cure so if you see that your brake pads’ percentage reaches 40% or less, have it looked at and replaced right away to avoid having a car accident that can be avoided.
Listen to your mechanic and check for the thickness and overall condition of your brake pads. Accidents and additional repair costs can be avoided.
How Much Will It Cost Me To Have My Brake Pads Replaced?
When you bring your car in to have brake pads replaced, make sure to have every brake pad on each wheel replaced even if they are in various stages of being worn.
For both brake pads on the axles, it can cost one to a few hundred dollars and can cost more depending on the model and brand of car that you have.
An expensive car and model can cost more to have parts replaced. If you want better and more long-lasting brake pads, it is going to cost you.
If you are negligent about replacing the brake pads, it will damage the rotors and you have to pay for it to have it replaced or repaired as well.
You should also keep in mind that you should not only count on to pay for the brake pads and rotors but pay the labor cost of your mechanic as well.
So as a car owner, be in tune with the condition of your brake pads.
The condition of your brake pads can save your life. It is better for them to be fixed and repaired early than procrastinate for worse results such as more costs and repair work.
More from NOLA Automotive Repairs
How to Stop Your Car Engine from Overheating
How Long Can You Drive on a Tire Patch?
NOLA Automotive Repairs has been serving New Orleans clients for nineteen years, making us one of the trusted auto repair shops in The Big Easy.
We offer a variety of services including engine repair, brake jobs, AC repair, and diagnostics. Imagine that you are driving on a particularly hot day and you see smoke emitting in front of you.