When you’re driving in beautiful Baltimore, MD you might not think of your brake pads, but they’re helping to keep you safe. These pads generate friction that helps to slow and stop your car. If the pads are worn or damaged, braking will become more difficult. We’d like to tell you more about your pads and how to know when you need to get them replaced from your trusted auto repair shop in Baltimore, MD.
How Do the Pads Work
When you hit the brakes, pressurized brake fluid is forced into the hoses. This fluid pushes the pins out of the calipers and causes them to close on the wheel’s rotors. Each caliper contains a pad that is pushed against the rotor. The pads have a thick friction material covering that generates friction, and this slows and stops your car.
How Long Do Pads Last?
Your pads are 1/2″ thick when they’re new. Each time you apply your brakes, tiny particles of the pads flake off. When a pad reaches 1/4″ thickness, it’s time for a replacement. This wear is a gradual process, and your pads will need replacement between 30,000 miles and 70,000 miles. Since an average car travels 12,000 per year, this means your pads should be replaced every two to five years.
Your car manual will give the exact replacement time for your pads. It’s also important to remember that your pads could wear out sooner than expected. Damaged braking components or even driving habits can increase the rate of wear on your pads.
Signs Your Pads Need Replacement
There are several indicators that your pads are wearing out and need replacement. These are some signs that your pads need to be replaced ASAP.
Screeching Sounds
As the pads become more worn, you’ll notice that it takes slightly longer for your car to come to a stop. This is because the thinner pad can’t generate sufficient friction to stop your car immediately. A screeching sound from your brakes is almost always a sign that your pads are worn. The screeching is caused by a metal spike inside each pad.
When a pad has worn down for 1/4″ thick, this spike is revealed. This spike will scratch against the surface of the wheel rotor as a warning that your pads need to be replaced.
Grinding Sounds
If the pads aren’t replaced when they should be, they will continue to wear out. Once the material covering has worn off, the metal of the pads will clamp against the rotors when you brake. The rough metal of the pads will scour the rotors and produce a harsh grinding sound.
Pads tend to be affordable and easy to replace. Schedule a service at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore when you’re in need of a brake repair or service.
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