At Graham Auto Repair, we prioritize your safety on the road. One crucial aspect of vehicle safety is ensuring your brake pads are in good condition. Today, we want to show you the difference between worn-out and new brake pads and explain why it's important that you replace them, and that you don't wait too long.
Imagine you're driving and you need to stop your car. A lot happens when you press the brake pedal, in order for your vehicle to slow down and stop safely. One of the most crucial parts in this process is the brake pads.
Brake pads are small, flat pieces made of tough material like metal and ceramic. They are part of your vehicle's braking system and are found inside the brake calipers, which are located near the wheels. The part of the brake pad that touches the rotor is covered with a material called "friction material." This material is designed to create the friction that's needed to stop your car. Over time, the constant pressing and rubbing against the rotors will wear this material down.
Think of brake pads as the “shoes” your car wears to help it stop. Let's compare the brake pads to the soles of your shoes. The more you walk, the more your shoes' soles wear down. If you're someone who drags their feet, you may notice parts of the rubber wearing down faster than others. If you continue to wear your shoes once they've worn-out, you may slip and fall. Similarly, if you keep driving with worn-out brake pads, your car cannot stop as well. Waiting too long can even be very dangerous; especially in an emergency stopping situation!
In the photo above, you can see a clear difference between a worn-out brake pad and a new one. In this case the customer had waited to replace their brake pads until the friction material was completely gone! We replaced their worn out brake pads with the new brake pads in the photo. You can see the friction material is thick and ready to provide optimal braking performance for their vehicle!
1. Reduced Braking Efficiency:
Worn-out brake pads reduce your vehicle's ability to stop quickly and effectively. This will increase your risk of getting in an accident.
2. Damage to Rotors:
As brake pads wear down, the metal backing can make contact with the rotors. With the friction material gone, the metal can cause damage to your rotors. This can lead to more expensive repairs because your rotors may need to be resurfaced or replaced much sooner than normal. In some cases, rotor damage may prevent you from having the rotors resurfaced at all. Not sure what rotor resurfacing is? Read this blog to learn more: What is Rotor Resurfacing?
3. Increase Distance Needed to Stop:
Thin brake pads can significantly increase the amount of space and time you need to stop your vehicle. Especially in emergency situations, which will put you and others at risk.
4. Noise and Vibrations:
Worn out brake pads often produce squeaking or grinding noises when you stop. They can also cause vibrations during braking. There are other things to consider when it comes to braking noises and vibrations. However, both of these things may be signs that immediate attention is needed. You may want to consider booking a Brake Inspection so that our Technicians can diagnose what is causing your braking concerns. Click here to book online.
It's important to have your brake pads inspected regularly. Most experts will agree that you should have them checked every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Replacing your brake pads will also depend on your personal driving habits and the road conditions that you drive in most frequently. It's often recommended that you replace them every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. If you would like a recommendation that is personalized for you, give us a call to schedule a brake inspection. Our skilled technicians will examine all parts of your braking system and let you know what parts are needed to be replaced or repaired.
The most important thing: Don't wait until it's too late! Making sure your brake pads are in good condition is a crucial step to maintaining your safety on the road. If you notice any signs of wear, unusual noises, or reduced braking performance, give us a call or book an appointment online.
At Graham Auto Repair we prioritize your safety and your vehicle's health. Our team of ASE Certified Technicians is dedicated to providing transparent, quality, and professional service to our community. With every service we perform a comprehensive digital vehicle inspection. We also provide a lifetime warranty on most parts and labor. Don't wait until your vehicle breaks down. Schedule your appointment with us today and experience peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle is in good hands. Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. We look forward to serving you!
