Signs It's Time To Replace Your Brake Pads.

Do you brake and brake and brake and brake and brake and brake but your vehicle is not slowing down?

Do you break often on dry roads or on roads without ice?

It’s time to replace brake pads when you break often on dry roads or on roads without ice.

Do you notice that your brake pedal feels lower than normal?

It can be a sign that brake fluid is leaking.

When brake fluid gets low, the brake’s sensitivity lessens. Someone who doesn’t know about brake fluid might wonder why their pedal feels spongy. But for those who drive with brake fluid often (or smoke heavy braking), they’ll notice lower than normal brake action right away and can think about topping off or replacing the leak before it permanently damages the system. A surefire way to gauge if your brakes are feeling unusually soft? Take note of how long you’re able to stop after breaking at higher speeds on dry roads or on roads without ice.”

Does your brake warning light come on before the brake pedal goes down?

Does your brake warning light come on before the brake pedal goes down? I know of at least two people who don’t brake. One is a friend and one is my mom. They brake when something is in their way, but otherwise they just brake lightly and the vehicle comes to a stop without a brake warning light going on.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to replace your brake pads.

In automotive brake systems, brake pads are used to create the friction needed to stop a vehicle. In most vehicles brake pad wear is not monitored as part of routine maintenance and brake pad warning lights do not come on unless there is an issue with brake pad thickness. However brake pads have a limited lifespan and should be inspected regularly during your regular service appointments. Signs that it’s time to replace your brake pads include grinding or squealing brakes when braking, a feeling that the pedal goes closer to the floor than normal before stopping, warping of brake rotors (due to overheating), brake warning light coming on before the brake pedal needs servicing (low fluid level in reservoirs is another indicator) or your mechanic noticing that they need replacing during routine inspection. Each brake pad contains material that transfers the brake friction to the brake rotor (the disc brake in front and out back of your vehicle that does not spin like the wheels). As brake pads are used, this material is worn away. When brake pads have worn down completely, they need to be replaced. This can easily be done by stopping by an automotive service center for brake replacement during a routine service appointment.