Brake pads play a crucial role in your vehicle’s braking system, and knowing when to replace them is essential for your safety and vehicle performance. Here are common signs that indicate it’s time to have your vehicle brought in for brake repair in Modesto:
Car Vibrating
If, when you press on your brake pedal, you feel your entire car shake or vibrate, this is a good indicator that your brake rotors are warped and should be replaced. To ensure that you don’t come up to this issue once or twice a year when you get your oil changed you should have them check out your rotors too.
Unusual Noises
- Squeaking or Squealing Noises: High-pitched squeaking or squealing sounds when you apply the brakes are a standard indicator that your brake pads are worn down. Many brake pads come equipped with a wear indicator—a small metal tab that makes contact with the brake rotor when the pads are near the end of their life. When you hear these sounds, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to replace the brake pads.
- Grinding Noise: If you hear a grinding noise when applying the brakes, it typically means that the brake pads have worn down completely, and the metal backing is now in direct contact with the brake rotor. This is a severe issue that requires immediate attention, as driving with metal-on-metal contact can damage the rotor and other brake components.
Pulling Directions
You can start to tell that your vehicle needs new brakes when you are driving down the road, and as you start to apply your brakes, you can feel your car pulling in one direction or another – it is time to have those babies replaced. This happens when you have a leak in your brake fluid lines, or your brakes are totally worn out.
Bad Pedals
If you feel like your brake pedal is a little “spongy,” or you can tell that it takes little extra leg muscles to hit the brakes, this is a good indication that you should have your pedals looked at because you have air in your brake lines or you have low brake fluid. This is a fairly easy fix but it is one that you’ll need to take to the mechanic to have the brake lines looked at.
Thinner Brake Pads
Inspecting the thickness of your brake pads can give you a visual indication of their condition. Many brake pads have a minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer. If the pads appear very thin or are approaching the minimum thickness, it’s time to replace them.
Burning Smell
A burning smell while driving or after braking could be a sign that the brake pads are overheating due to excessive friction. This can occur when the pads are worn down and the metal backing is in contact with the rotor. Overheating brakes can lead to reduced braking performance and potential damage to other components.
Brake Warning Lights
Some modern vehicles are equipped with dashboard warning lights that illuminate when an issue is detected in the braking system. If the brake pad warning light comes on, it clearly indicates that the brake pads need attention. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific details on warning lights.. So, if you have a newer model vehicle and your lights are turning on for your brake lights, or (ABS) light turns on, have it checked out by a mechanic to ensure that nothing is out of whack.