Maintaining your vehicle's braking system is vital to the safety and performance of your car. It is therefore imperative that you check your brake pads for wear and replace worn out pads. So how do you know when to change your brake pads and how often should you do it?
Signs You Need New Brake Pads
When They Become Noisy: Two of the most common noises that indicate brake pad problems are squealing and scraping. A squealing noise while braking can be caused by a number of other reasons (e.g., loose anti-rattle clips, callipers or pad insulators), but the most common reason is worn brake pads. Likewise, scraping noises while braking can sometimes be caused by loose brake parts, or even a stone stuck between the pad and rotor. The most likely occurrence is that your brake pads have worn all the way down to the metal backing plate. If this is left too long, damage to the brake rotors is a certainty and they will also need to be replaced or repaired.
When They Don't Stop As Effectively: If your brakes are starting to ‘fade' after heavy braking, or are simply not pulling the car up as effectively, you may have worn out brake pads. When reduced stopping ability occurs you should immediately check your braking system for wear, tear or lack of maintenance. Damaged breaks are a major safety hazard to yourself and other motorists.
The Brake Pedal Is Pulsating: If the brake pedal is pulsating when pressed, this is often a sign that new brake pads are needed. The phrase “pulsating brakes” refers to the brake vibration, or constant grabbing when attempting to apply the brakes. Pulsating brakes are typically caused by worn out brake discs, or warped due to heat. In the case of pulsating brakes, sometimes the brake discs are re-machined to remedy the problem. However, if the current brake discs cannot be re-machined than the current brake discs likely need to be replaced and new brake pads installed.
The Car Is Pulling: Although a car pulling to one side of the road can indicate a few different things, it often indicates the need for new brake pads. If the car pulls to one side or another, without turning the steering wheel when the brakes are applied, this often indicates that the current brake pads are wearing unevenly and need replacing with new brake pads. If a car is simply pulling while a driver is accelerating, or driving at a steady speed, without applying the brakes, this pulling usually indicates a different repair issue.
Car Brake Servicing North Shore
You should IMMEDIATELY investigate any unnatural noise, sensation or lack of stopping that occurs while braking. Failure to do so may result in a dangerous loss of braking, Don't wait — book in for a car service with your local mechanic today. At Anzac Automotive we use premium Bosch brake pads when servicing your car. Call Anzac Automotive. We're the brake repair Auckland experts, specialising in European cars.