About brake pads:
New brake pads (left) compared to worn brake pads (right)
Brake pads are an important part of your braking system. They press against the brake rotors when the brakes are applied. This allows you to slow down or stop. Brake pads are made out of a high-friction material which wears over time. This means that the brake pads should be periodically replaced.
Learn more about how brake pads work
Over time, brake pads can wear to a point where your car’s stopping distance is affected. This can affect the safety of your vehicle by making it more difficult to stop. For this reason, most mechanics recommend that the brake pads should be replaced every 50,000 km.
What can cause your brake pads to wear quickly?
Sometimes, one or more problems can lead to accelerated wear of the brake pads. Below are some of the most common causes:
- Brake rotor wear – The brake rotor (or disc) can lose its smoothness over time, causing the uneven application of the brake pads. This causes the brake pads to wear out more quickly.
- Worn brake caliper pins – The brake caliper pins are responsible for guiding brake pad so that it makes even contact with the rotor. Over time, they can become worn or corroded. As a result, the brake pads fall out of place and wear more quickly.
- Unusual use of the brake pedal – Driving habits can have a significant effect on the lifespan of your brake pads. If you regularly rest your foot on the brake while driving or brake too hard too often, it will cause the pads to wear much more quickly. This is because the high heat generated by hard braking can cause the brake pads to wear down quickly.
- Carrying/towing heavy loads – Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer can put extra strain on the brakes, causing the brake pads to wear out faster. Driving in hilly or mountainous areas can also reduce the lifespan of your car’s brake components.
- Using cheap brake pads – Low-quality brake pads may have a shorter lifespan than high-quality ones and may wear out more quickly.
Signs of accelerated brake pad wear:
When your brake pads start to wear, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Loud squealing noises coming from the brake pads
- Vibrations and pulsations when the brakes are applied.
- Reduced braking performance and increased stopping distance.
- Lots of brake pad wear.
- Visible damage to the brake rotor
If you notice any of these signs of brake pad wear, it is important to have your brake system inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic. Ignoring worn brake pads can lead to further damage to the braking system and can compromise your vehicle’s safety.
Brake Servicing & Replacement in Hamilton
Are your brake pads wearing at an accelerated rate? If so, we can help! Our team of skilled mechanics specialise in diagnosing faults in vehicles. This allows us to quickly locate the cause of your car’s brake problems. From there, we can fix the problem.
It is important to have the brakes checked by a qualified mechanic if you notice any unusual noises, vibrations, or if the brake pedal feels different than usual. By addressing issues promptly and maintaining the braking system, you can help extend the lifespan of your brake pads and ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.
For brake pad replacement services in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!