Brake pads are one of the most common reasons for a shop visit. Their entire purpose is to be depleted during the deceleration process - the contact they make with the rotors reduces the rotation speed of the wheels. But what if you're not sure when to change them? Don't worry! We are here to help!
Here is a overview of what you should expect in the blog:
- Weird Loud Noises
- Is Your Car Braking Slower Than Usual?
- Is The Steering Wheel Shaky?
- Unfamiliar Lights On Your Dashboard
- Your Car Starts To Drift To One Side
1. Weird Loud Noises
Weird noises are never a good sign when it comes to vehicles. Hearing a loud scratching or grinding noise while braking can indicate two things. One is the wear indicator, and the other is the worn-out brake pads. Some manufacturers include wear indicators in their brake pads to alert drivers when it is time to replace them. Make sure to visit a repair shop if you notice any strange, problematic sounds.
2. Is Your Car Braking Slower Than Usual?
A very obvious sign of worn-out brake pads is decreased performance. If your vehicle needs more time to stop than usual or slows down inconsistently, the brake pads are most likely the problem.
3. Is The Steering Wheel Shaky?
Vibration while braking can be caused by a few things, but one of them is unevenly worn brake pads. In other words, the brake pads and rotors don't make good contact, resulting in uneven pad wear. We advise you to visit a repair shop for a professional opinion.
4. Unfamiliar Lights On Your Dashboard
Another obvious sign is the brake pad light on your dashboard. Some vehicles have a circular light with lines on the side (resembling the calipers/brake pads). When you see this light pop up, visit a mechanic ASAP so they can get things replaced.
5. Your Car Starts To Drift To One Side
If your vehicle pulls to one side on its own, only while braking, it points to brake system problems. More specifically, the brake pads. If they are worn out unevenly or mounted improperly, the contact they make with the rotors results in vibrations.
If your vehicle requires brake pad replacements, make sure to visit our shop! Austin's Automotive Specialist offers a wide variety of vehicle services, which can be seen in the "Services" tab in the menu!