5 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Brake Pads

Author: VMAX Brakes   Date Posted:27 December 2021 

Brake parts need to be replaced from time to time, as their condition is pivotal to safe driving, and when they’re worn down or defective, they’re much more likely to cause car accidents. Brake pads are one of the most critical components of braking systems, responsible for gripping brake rotors and slowing the wheel down to bring the car to a halt.

Brake pads typically last anywhere between 40,000 to 100,000km, although it depends on many other factors that influence their service life. As they’re embedded into the mechanics of your car, you can’t rely on visual aspects to indicate when they need a service or replacement.

There are some other signs you can look for though, and when you make a justified diagnosis, you can order new brake pads to get back on the road safely. Below, we list five signs that indicate it’s time to replace your brake pads.

Squealing Noises

We’ve all sat at the lights and heard the squealing halt of a neighbouring vehicle. This is actually a common sign that their brake pads need to be replaced. Stay alert for these sounds coming from your own brakes, as you can use them to measure how worn your pads have become and begin to assess their condition.

Grinding Noise

Grinding noises coming from your brakes are typically more serious than squealing noises. This noise is sometimes a deliberate design of some brake pads, with metal wear detectors that make a grinding sound when they’re activated to warn owners of their deteriorating condition. If not, it means the wearing has gotten to critical levels, and your brake pads need to be replaced urgently. Not replacing them at this point leaves you vulnerable to much more problematic damage and expensive repair costs.

Reduced Braking Sensitivity

If you gradually have to apply more pressure to the brake pedal to achieve the same braking impact, it is a good bet your brake pads have worn down. This is because the material has eroded, making them smaller and further away from the rotors, so they have to move a longer distance to apply fiction that reduces the vehicle speed. As soon as you notice a lack of performance, it’s a good idea to get an expert opinion from a mechanic to avoid expensive damage.

Vibration When Braking

If you notice vibrations that are only present when you apply the brakes, you should have your braking system inspected by a mechanic. This typically implies damage to your rotors in the form of warping, and warping can occur from uneven brake pads pushing the discs in a particular direction.

Brake Indicator Lights are Activated

To prevent damage and injury, modern cars typically include brake warning lights that appear when there’s an issue. While it doesn't always activate as soon as parts need replacing, when they do, it’s an easy way to know you need a brake inspection.

If you need high-quality, affordable replacement brake pads for your vehicle, browse the range available from VMAX Brakes today, or speak with a member of our team to discuss your requirements.