Universal Parts Exchange™Signs Your Car Brakes Need Replacement | Vital Warning Symptoms
The braking system is one of the most important safety components in a vehicle and knowing when to replace your brakes is crucial to maintaining safe driving conditions. Regular brake inspections are recommended, but how can you tell when your brakes need to be replaced?
In this article, we will discuss the various signs and symptoms that indicate your car brakes need replacement.
Signs of Worn Brake Pads
The brake pads are one of the most commonly replaced parts of the braking system. These small, rectangular-shaped components press against the brake rotor to slow down or stop the vehicle. Over time, the brake pads wear down and become less effective, requiring replacement.
One of the most common signs that indicate worn brake pads is a high-pitched squeaking or grinding noise when you apply the brakes. This noise is due to a metal wear indicator that makes contact with the rotor when the brake pads have worn down to a certain point. If you hear this noise, it is time to replace your brake pads.
Another sign that your brake pads need replacement is a decrease in braking performance. If your car takes longer to stop, or if you have to press harder on the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a halt, it could indicate that your brake pads are worn out.
Visual Inspection of Brake Pads
One way to tell if your brake pads need replacement is to visually inspect them. If you can see the brake pad through the wheel, you can check the thickness of the brake pad. Most brake pads have a thickness of around 12mm and if they are worn down to 3mm or less, they need to be replaced.
If you can't see the brake pads through the wheel, you can remove the wheel and inspect them directly. To do this, you will need to jack up the car and support it with jack stands and remove the wheel to gain access to the brakes.
Checking the Rotor
The brake rotor is another critical component of the braking system and it is also prone to wear and tear. The brake rotor is a flat, circular metal disc that the brake pads clamp onto to slow down or stop the vehicle. Over time, the rotor can become warped, grooved, or worn down, which can affect the braking performance.
One sign of a worn or damaged rotor is a pulsating or vibrating brake pedal when you apply the brakes. This vibration can be felt through the brake pedal or the steering wheel and it indicates that the rotor is not smooth and flat, causing the brake pads to make intermittent contact.
Another sign of a damaged rotor is a grinding noise when you apply the brakes. This noise is due to metal-to-metal contact between the brake pads and the rotor when the brake pads are worn down completely.
Visual Inspection of the Rotor
Like the brake pads, you can visually inspect the rotor to check for signs of wear or damage. You can look through the wheel to see if the rotor is smooth and flat or if it has any grooves, ridges, or discoloration. You can also use a micrometer or a caliper to measure the thickness of the rotor.
Most rotors have a minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer and if the rotor is worn down beyond this point, it needs to be replaced.
Other Signs of Brake Problems
In addition to worn brake pads and damaged rotors, there are other signs and symptoms that indicate your car brakes need replacement. These include:
- Brake pedal feels spongy or goes to the floor
- Brake warning light on the dashboard is illuminated
- Burning smell when you apply the brakes
- Car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes
These symptoms could indicate other issues with the braking system, such as a brake fluid leak, a failing brake master cylinder, or a stuck caliper. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose the problem and ensure your safety on the road.
And so, what is the way forward?
Maintaining the braking system of your car is essential to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. Knowing when to replace your brakes can help prevent accidents and ensure optimal braking performance.
The signs and symptoms of worn brake pads and damaged rotors include squeaking or grinding noise, decrease in braking performance, pulsating or vibrating brake pedal and visual inspection of the brake pads and rotors.
Other symptoms such as a spongy brake pedal, brake warning light, burning smell, or pulling to one side could indicate other issues with the braking system. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem promptly.
By keeping your brakes in good condition, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable driving experience.
Could we possibly be of some help to you today?
Where to buy spare parts in your country