For road safety, nothing is more important than the car's brakes. However, one of the areas that often gets overlooked in routine auto maintenance is brake pad replacement. Some motorists don't take action until the squeal or a feeling of something not right alerts them to a problem — and then it may be too late. This guide explains exactly what a brake pad is and what a car owner should know about them.
What Are Brake Pads?
Brake pads are flat components that press against the brake disc (or rotor) to slow the vehicle. Whenever a driver applies the brakes, the brake pads contact the disc, and friction occurs. This friction is what makes the car stop. Over time, brake pads wear down due to the friction. As they become worn, they fail to provide a good grip and become a threat to the driver, passengers, and other road users.
How Often Should Brake Pads Be Replaced?
Generally, brake pads last 30,000 to 70,000 miles. But this range is a bit broad, as there are a few factors that influence their wear rate.
Brake pads will wear out significantly faster for a driver who spends a lot of time driving in city traffic conditions, compared to a driver who drives mostly on motorways. Brakes are also subject to greater stress from heavier vehicles. Driving practices play a role as well; drivers who apply the brake hard will require brake pad replacement Bristol earlier than drivers who apply the brake gradually and lightly.
Regular car servicing includes a check of the brake pads, which help identify if they are worn. Typically, most manufacturers suggest brake inspection every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Warning Signs That Brake Pads Need Replacement
When the brake pads are worn and need replacement, a car will give many clear indications. These are indicators that should not be ignored by car owners:
- Squealing or squeaking sounds— Most brake pads come with a metal wear indicator. As the pad wears down, it makes contact with the disc and creates a high-pitched squeal sound. This is a protective warning that is intentionally put in place to warn the driver.
- Grinding noise— If not addressed for too long, the squealing may lead to the complete wear of the pad. Here, metal grinds against metal and can ruin the brake disc, making the car extremely unsafe to operate.
- The car pulling to one side — When the car veers to either side while braking, it may indicate that one brake pad is wearing unevenly compared to the other side.
- A vibrating or pulsing brake pedal — This may indicate worn or overheated brake pads, which can cause brake discs to become warped.
- The brake warning light — Some modern cars are equipped with a sensor that will illuminate a dashboard warning light if the brake pads are getting worn out. If this light appears, it is time to book a car servicing Bristol appointment immediately.
What Happens If Brake Pads Are Left Too Long?
While it may be tempting to postpone brake pad replacement to save money now, it is always more expensive in the long term. Old brake pads can cause damage to the brake discs, which are typically more costly than brake pads. In the more extreme cases, a complete loss of braking may prevent a vehicle from stopping, and lives can be put at risk.
Aside from the financial penalties, a vehicle with worn brake pads is not allowed to be driven in the United Kingdom if it does not comply with the minimum safety requirements for an MOT. A car that cannot be stopped safely by its brakes won't pass the test and will not be allowed on the roads if it fails. If a driver drives a car that fails its MOT, they could be fined or have penalty points added to their licence.
How Long Does Brake Pad Replacement Take?
An expert mechanic can replace brake pads in a fairly simple manner. It usually takes 1-2 hours. If the brake discs are also worn out, however, which is sometimes the case if the pads have been worn too long, the entire repair job will be longer and more expensive.
Many garages provide several services, including checking the brakes, so it is easy to have a few of these services performed.
Tips for Making Brake Pads Last Longer
Although brake pads will wear out over time, there are ways for a driver to prolong their life:
- Brake gradually and early — Applying the brakes gently from afar will put far less stress on the brake pads.
- Reduce speed before bends and junctions — Slowing down first will mean less heavy braking.
- Avoid carrying unnecessary weight — A heavier car will require more braking power, and this will cause the brake pads to wear out quicker. If heavy items in the boot are not required, it can make a small difference if they are removed from the boot.
- Keep up with regular car servicing — Regular servicing can help a mechanic detect wear early and replace brake pads before they cause more damage.
The Importance of Regular Car Servicing
Replacing brakes is not a standalone process. It is just one part of a comprehensive car maintenance schedule, which makes sure the entire vehicle operates safely and effectively. Other routine maintenance services include checking tyres, replacing oil, adding fluids, and lubricating other vital safety systems.
People who stick to their car maintenance schedule are less likely to undergo unnecessary and expensive repairs. Most important of all, they are much less likely to encounter a dangerous situation on the road due to an avoidable mechanical failure.
Conclusion
Brake pads are one of the important but small parts of each vehicle. Knowing when they need replacing and replacing them before they become damaged can save money, prevent damage, and keep everyone on the road safe. When in doubt about the condition of a car's brakes, the best course of action is to call a trusted mechanic for car servicing as soon as possible. As far as brakes are concerned, it's better to be safe than sorry.