When Should Brake Pads Be Replaced?
Knowing the signs of worn-out brake pads and brake rotors and then taking care of the problem is critical for safe driving. You may potentially be preventing an accident caused by failing brakes. But how do you know when should brake pads be replaced? And should brake rotors be replaced at the same time?
Brake pads are a vital component of the brake system, located between the brake shoe (the part that clamps down, slowing the tires’ rotation) and the brake drum. Every time you step on the brake pedal, the friction created causes minute amounts of wear and tear. Over time, this deterioration starts to add up and the pads, as well as the brake rotors, will become thinner and thinner.
So when should brake pads be replaced? They can generally last between 30,000-35,000 miles. This will vary, of course, depending on how and where you drive your vehicle. However, if you are starting to notice any of the signs below indicating worn-out brakes, it’s probably time to replace the pads.
- Screeching or squealing noise -- This sound is caused by a small, metallic shim indicator that’s embedded in the brake pad for this purpose.
- Less than ¼” of pad left -- Brake pads can be visually inspected by looking through the tire spokes. They should not be less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters).
- Metallic Grinding and Growling -- Not only are your brake pads worn away, but there is metal on metal contact between your brake discs and calipers.
- Dash Warning Lights -- Your vehicle may come equipped with an indicator light on the dashboard signaling when it’s time to replace the brake pads. Check your owner’s manual to see if your car has this sensor.
Should you replace brake rotors when the pads are replaced? The old brake pads and the old rotors were worn down together as the pads hit the rotors in the same spots hundreds of times a day. When you replace the pads, the rotors will still have worn grooves. Thus, the pads and rotors are not making full contact. As a result, your car does not have full stopping power.
Depending on the how bad your brake rotors are worn, they should be either replaced or simply smoothed out.
Wondering when should brake pads be replaced? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about brake pads and brake rotors and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
Knowing the signs of worn-out brake pads and brake rotors and then taking care of the problem is critical for safe driving. You may potentially be preventing an accident caused by failing brakes. But how do you know when should brake pads be replaced? And should brake rotors be replaced at the same time?
Brake pads are a vital component of the brake system, located between the brake shoe (the part that clamps down, slowing the tires’ rotation) and the brake drum. Every time you step on the brake pedal, the friction created causes minute amounts of wear and tear. Over time, this deterioration starts to add up and the pads, as well as the brake rotors, will become thinner and thinner.
So when should brake pads be replaced? They can generally last between 30,000-35,000 miles. This will vary, of course, depending on how and where you drive your vehicle. However, if you are starting to notice any of the signs below indicating worn-out brakes, it’s probably time to replace the pads.
- Screeching or squealing noise -- This sound is caused by a small, metallic shim indicator that’s embedded in the brake pad for this purpose.
- Less than ¼” of pad left -- Brake pads can be visually inspected by looking through the tire spokes. They should not be less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters).
- Metallic Grinding and Growling -- Not only are your brake pads worn away, but there is metal on metal contact between your brake discs and calipers.
- Dash Warning Lights -- Your vehicle may come equipped with an indicator light on the dashboard signaling when it’s time to replace the brake pads. Check your owner’s manual to see if your car has this sensor.
Should you replace brake rotors when the pads are replaced? The old brake pads and the old rotors were worn down together as the pads hit the rotors in the same spots hundreds of times a day. When you replace the pads, the rotors will still have worn grooves. Thus, the pads and rotors are not making full contact. As a result, your car does not have full stopping power.
Depending on the how bad your brake rotors are worn, they should be either replaced or simply smoothed out.
Wondering when should brake pads be replaced? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about brake pads and brake rotors and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
