Having properly functioning brakes is a major concern for all drivers. Without a good braking system, you and other drivers on the road are in danger. Everyone will agree that maintaining your vehicle’s brakes is essential. The braking system doesn’t require too much maintenance. One of the major aspects of maintaining your vehicle’s brakes is replacing brake pads. Over time the brake pads can wear down. Worn down brake pads reduce stopping and slowing efficiency as well as cause damage to the wheel rotors. Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic will share signs that you should have your brakes checked and replaced.
Signs of Bad Brake Pads
As you use your brakes, over time the brake pads will begin to wear down. When the brake pads are getting too low they will often give some warning signs that they need to be inspected and replaced. When brake pads are wearing down you may feel a skipping or bump sensation as you brake. You may also begin to hear a squeaking or grinding noise as you brake. When you hear a grinding or squeaking noise, you need to get your brakes checked right away as they are now past the point of needing replacements.
How to Check your Brake Pads
If you think that your brake pads may need to be replaced you can do a quick inspection yourself. To inspect your brake pads turn your vehicle’s wheels so they are pointing to the corners. This will give you a better view of the brake pads. Look in between the back of the tire you will see two clamp like mechanisms which is the brake pads. The brake pads will have a footing material which is used to slow and stop the vehicle. Make sure there is at least ¼ inch left of the brake pads footing. If there is less than ¼ of an inch, you need your brake pads changed now.
Types of Brake Pad Wear
The brake pads are designed to press on the brake rotor to slow down and stop the vehicle. As the brake pads press down, they will wear down over time. The way the brake pads wear down can help tell you a lot about your vehicle’s brakes and if other adjustments are needed. Below are some of the types of brake pad wear and what they mean:
Outer Brake Pad Wear – Occurs if the brake pads continue to ride on the rotors even after you have released the brakes. This delay can cause premature wear of the pads and rotor damage.
Inner Brake Pad Wear – Happens when the worn seal damages or obstructs the calipers piston as they return to the rest position. This problem often needs to be addressed to prevent further damage to the brakes.
Tapered Brake Pad Wear – This is the brake pad’s resistant material that is worn down in a horizontal or vertical wedge like pattern.
Cracked, Glazed or Lifted Brake Pad Edge Wear – Often caused by improper braking, over used brakes, defective pads, or even hydraulic system problems. Some of this is user error. However, the hydraulic system may require correction.
Overlapping Friction Brake Pad Wear – The result of either the wrong rotor or brake pads were installed on the vehicle. This wear pattern can cause premature wear on the guide pin, caliper, and caliper brackets.
Brake Check, Repair, Replacement & More in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)
If you are having braking problems, or require auto body repair and more, contact Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic today.