5 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Brake Pads

Thinking it's time for new brake pads? Typically, brake pads should last about 50,000 miles. But, with different driving conditions, this could range from 25,000 - 70,000 miles. If you're a tough braker in an area with precipitation you'd be on the lower end of this spectrum!

Luckily, brakes provide us some warning signs to let us know they're ready to be replaced.

Here are the 5 signs it's time to replace your brake pads.

1. Screeching or Squeaking

Hearing a squeal coming from your wheel? Time for some new pads.

Brake pads have something called a wear indicator on them. New brake pads are about 12 mm thick. When they wear down to roughly 25% (or 3 mm) the wear indicator touches the rotor to let you know it's time to replace your pads or risk greater damage to your vehicle. If you let this ride long enough, you can waive bye to your rotors and potentially much more!

2. Grinding

Well, you may have graduated from the squealing stage and reached metal on metal with your brake pads and rotors. Once that pad is completely gone, the back is a hard metal plate. If the pad wears away, the metal plate will be shoved into your metal rotor, and well, you'll definitely hear it if not feel it!

In this scenario, you'd need to replace your brake pads AND rotors to maintain a safe and healthy brake system.

3. Brake Light Turns On

Some vehicles, especially luxury European makes, have a brake pad sensor attached to the caliper. Once the brake pad gets low enough, about 3 mm) it will trigger the sensor to display the brake light indicating it's time to replace them.

4. Long Stops

Feeling that pedal take a little extra 'umph' to get the car to stop. Your pads might be low and it's parter brake caliper it's taking a little more effort to push it into the rotor.

5. Shaking When Braking

If you're touching on your brake pads and it feels like you're getting thrown to the right or left or even going over mini speed bumps - your pads are wearing improperly. This causes the rotors to warp which causes the pads to adhere incorrectly against them.

Think about sneakers that get worn on one side based on the way you walk. This is exactly what's going on here. In order to fix the issue, you'd need to replace both the brake pads and the rotors. That way the new pads will adhere to a flat, smooth rotor face and you'll brake correctly!

Experiencing any of these bad brake pad signs?

Brakes To You will send a technician right to your home or office to service your brakes. We're 40% cheaper on average than a brake shop and a heck-of-a-lot more convenient. Get a free brake repair quote today!

What are the Signs of Worn Brake Pads & Rotors?

If there is one system in your vehicle that cannot be overlooked, it would be the braking system. If your vehicle fails to stop when and where you expect it to, then an accident may be just minutes away. Properly working brakes is an absolute must and drivers must be aware when brakes begin to fail or lose their effectiveness. Don’t procrastinate when it comes to a needed brake replacement.

Here are Some General Signs of Worn Brake Pads and Rotors:

First, check for wear by looking at your brake pads through the spaces between the wheel's spokes. The outside pad will be pressed against a metal rotor. Generally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of the pad.

Secondly, listen for a high-pitched screeching sound while braking. There is an audible indicator, which gives a warning when brake pads need to replace.

Thirdly, if your brakes are not as responsive as they used to be, or if the pedal "sinks" toward the floor, this could be an indication of a brake fluid or an air hose leak. A loss of brake fluid will typically leave a small puddle of fluid when the car is parked and looks and feels similar to motor oil.

Fourthly, if your vehicle "pulls" to one side while braking, it may indicate that the brake linings are wearing unevenly or that there is foreign matter in the brake fluid. The brakes may need an adjustment, or the fluid drained and replaced.

Fifthly, a grinding or growling noise is typically one of the signs of worn brake pads, most likely beyond repair. This is caused by the two pieces of metal rubbing together. This can "score," or scratch your brake rotors, creating an uneven surface.

Lastly, if you feel a pulsation when applying the brakes it could be the sign of warped brake rotors. Warping happens when the brakes are applied for an extended period of time.

If your vehicle is experiencing any of the above symptoms, call your auto shop as soon as possible to schedule an inspection so you know what kind of brake repair or replacement is needed.

Worried about the signs of worn brake pads and brake rotors? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about our brake replacement services and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

How Do I Know If My Front Or Rear Brakes Are Bad?

Brakes are the top safety feature in a car, and we should never ignore the signs as they can lead to dangerous and even fatal accidents.

Since they’re one of the most active parts of the car, they wear and tear faster than other aspects.

The good news is that brakes usually give off signals when there is a problem developing.

By being aware of brake issues, you’ll know how to act when you experience them.

You’ll know when to go for a service and ask for professional help to keep your brakes in top shape.

Bad Rear Brakes Symptoms

Many signs point to , and all of them are noticeable.

Here are some of thbad brakese things you should look out for while driving:

Bouncing on a Sharp Brake

Your vehicle bouncing unusually on a sharp brake could be an indication of brake damage or shock absorber damage.

It could be harmless, but if it feels unusual, there might be something wrong. Better to have it checked out and be sure than to risk it and pay much more later.

Deeper Braking and Slower Response

One noticeable sign of brake wear is a difference in resistance when you step on the pedal. It may sink, meaning that you’ll have to put in more effort.

You might even notice that the car’s brake responds slower than usual, and it takes more effort to reach a stop. These symptoms may indicate moisture or air affecting the brake system.

It could also be a problem with the master cylinder. Either way, immediate service is the best option.

Power brakes should lead to a stop 1 to 3 inches from the floor, depending on your brake mechanism.

Wobbling and Vibration

A vibrating and wobbling sensation is an indication of many possible problems with the braking system.

You’ll feel it through the steering wheel when it’s a rotor problem.

Rotors are the areas where the brakes interact, leading to the slow down or stop. It wears down over time and develops flaws.

When getting brakes serviced, we smooth out the rotors for evenness.

The rotors need to remain under the manufacturer’s specifications, or they will cause problems with your brakes. The uneven rotor leads to the shaking and vibrating sensation.

It also causes more damage than necessary to the rest of the system. Other causes of wobbling include:

● The brake caliper failing to release

● A sticky piston that does not retract the brake pads

● Improper wheel lug nut placement

Brake Light Indicator On

When a red or yellow brake light flashes on your dashboard, it means the car has detected something wrong with the system.

It could be a problem with your parking brake, so make sure it is not engaged when you’re driving.

The brake light is a feature that has helped save many lives. The light means you need an inspection, so go for it as soon as possible.

Leaking Fluid

Like your wipers, the brakes contain fluid that adds hydraulic pressure, making it easy to stop the car.

If it leaks, the brakes lose power, leading to the brake pad lowering more than usual.

If you’re experiencing soft brakes and difficulty braking, then it might be a sign of a leak. Get a technician like us to check the system to look for any fluid problems.

Drifting and Burning

If your car drifts to one side when you brake, it’s time to have it checked.

The cause of the drifting could be a bad brake caliper or hose.

On most occasions, one caliper applies more pressure to the rest, resulting in unbalanced breaks.

Another sign is a burning chemical smell when you are hard braking. The smell is a sign of a clutch problem or overheated brakes.

If you find that a wheel has smoke, then stop immediately and wait for a technician.

Otherwise, stop for a bit and allow the breaks to cool before you go to a technician. If the brake fluid gets too hot, it could lead to a failure in the system.

Grinding Noise

A high-pitched grinding noise is a sign that the pads have nearly fully worn down.

Below the pads are a steel frame that makes contact with the rotor.

You should have a check-up before the car develops severe rotor damage, which requires replacement.

Rotor replacement is a more expensive ordeal than brake pad replacement.

Front and Rear Brake Replacement

Front brake pads typically wear out faster compared to rear pads.

Braking often occurs there as the car’s weight shifts to the front when it goes to stop.

The greater force going to the front brakes means that it takes more load than the rear.

Manufacturers also know this and prioritize the front to avoid the rear brakes from locking up.

Front or Rear?

A good way to test whether it’s your front or rear brakes having issues is to conduct a quick test:

1. While driving, slowly brake and listen out for noise.

2. Repeat this step, this time using your emergency brake.

3. If you hear a noise while braking normally, it’s likely that the issue is with your front brakes. If you hear a noise while using the emergency brake, then it’s the rear.

Despite that, when you’re going for a replacement, you should always replace all pads uniformly.

Even with more load at the front, the front brake’s design allows it to wear down at the same rate as the rear brake.

Having new brakes ensures that there aren’t any hidden problems that remain on one side. It also makes managing maintenance schedules easier.

Front brakes are a priority, but that doesn’t mean that you should neglect to replace all brake pads.

Driving with bad rear brakes can be just as dangerous as driving with bad front brakes.

The rear brakes act as a support for most braking to alleviate the force pushed upon the front brakes.

Brake Rotor Replacement

Brake rotors or discs are also an important part of the system.

Most of the time, when you have a repair, they only need resurfacing to shape them back to optimal function.

However, they need replacing if they become too thin, going below the recommended specifications.

Good rotors help each brake pad connect by providing friction.

Always Go for a Check-Up

If you ever encounter any signs of brake problems, we’re more than happy to check it out atNOLA Automotive Repairs. You’ll find that most of the time, you’ll need repairs or replacements.

Failure to recognize this puts you and your passengers at risk. It’s a fact that brakes wear down over time. A good brake repair or replacement can prevent any accident in the future.

We can help you fix the problem, leading to a better driving experience.