When and why change brake pads?

Published on : 03 March 20212 min reading time
Make sure your brake pads are working properly by replacing them at the right time. In the event of an accident, this can save your car, or even your life. When should you get your brake pads replaced?

What are brake pads?

Brake pads are an integral part of your vehicle’s braking mechanism. They are placed between the brake shoe and the drums. Many components of your car, such as wheels, rotors and calipers, can start to wear out without the brake pads working. It is necessary to maintain effective brake pads to avoid costly repairs and dangerous driving conditions. That’s why it’s important that you know when to remove old brake pads from your vehicle. 

What happens when brake pads wear out?

Here are some indicators to look for to know when to change the brake pads: when the brakes are applied in wet conditions, such as after a rainstorm, a thin layer of dust may form on the pads and cause a squeaking noise very similar to that of braking. Look through the spokes of your wheel and see your brake pad flattened against your brake rotor. When you hear a loud and a soft noise that sounds like metal squeaking or rumbling, it may be a warning that your brake pads are not only worn, but that your brake discs and calipers are coming into contact. Some vehicles have a warning light on the dashboard that indicates when it’s time to change the brake pads.

How long do brake pads last?

Brake pads are generally considered to be thin between 45,000 and 50,000 km of use. But the actual response varies from one vehicle to another, and from one driving style to another. If you drive mostly in urban areas or in heavy suburban traffic, you brake much more often than in rural areas or on motorways. Some people are also more likely to “brake”, which means that their brakes are applied and depressed more regularly than other drivers, resulting in faster wear of the brake pads.

The liveliest top rallies in the history of the WRC
Why does F1 refuse to switch to electric?

Plan du site