How Do You Know it’s Time to Replace Your Brake Pads?

The brake system of your vehicle is one of its most important components when it comes to safety. Tires are also a vital safety component. As such, it’s important to check your brake performance on a regular basis, such as brake pads, rotors, lines and calipers. Brake pads are known as normal wear items, as they are responsible for creating friction to help stop your car when on the move. That means they need to be replaced every so often, usually every 50,000 miles. 

But sometimes your brakes wear out sooner than that. How do you know when to replace your brake pads? It’s best to have a trusted mechanic in your corner who can troubleshoot and inspect the brake system when you’re having issues. After all, properly working brakes are a top safety feature ensuring you remain safe on the road.

If you drive with bad brakes, you’re putting yourself and everyone else at risk. But in addition to the safety risk on the roadways, faulty brakes also put stress on other parts of your vehicle, such as the tires and suspension system. 

Signs it’s Time For Replacement

Here are some telltale signs that you should replace your brake pads.

  • Squeaking, Squealing Noises: Persistent squeaking or squealing noises when you put your foot on the brake can signal the need to change your brake pads. This squealing sound results from metal on metal contact, meaning there is no more “pad” to cushion the area.
  • Lit Indicator Light: If you see the indicator for worn brake pads on your dash, take the vehicle to your mechanic.  They will be able to assess the damage and make a recommendation whether you need immediate replacement or if it’s just something to keep an eye on. They can also tell you the type of brake pads you will need for your particular make and model.
  • Grinding Metal Sound: Some brake pads feature small metal ridges on the bottoms that make a grinding noise when brakes are applied. This loud sound means the metal ridges are grinding against other metal parts of your tire, leading to more damage and more expensive repairs beyond just brake pads.
  • Vibrating Brake Pedals: If you are noticing your car shaking or the steering wheel vibrating when putting your foot on the brake pedal that stops when you lift your foot off, your brakes need to be serviced. Vibrating brake pedals are abnormal, and could lead to further damage to your vehicle or even a potential accident.

When you take your car in for brake service, have the mechanic check your tire health at the same time.

Contact I&I Tires

Good tires go hand in hand with good brakes, to result in the healthiest car possible. Please contact us in Atlanta at 678-284-2006 or Smyrna at 404-920-0278 to learn how we can outfit you with new tires when you need them most.