Proper function of brakes is important for a lot of reasons. Brakes help you to slow down, keep your vehicle in one position or to stop. Any malfunction in this system can pose a threat to your safety. It can be extremely dangerous to drive a car with a malfunctioning braking system.
Brake pads need to be checked, repaired and replaced to ensure proper functioning of the braking system.
Signs your brake pads need to be replaced Brake light gets turned on
This could be the most obvious sign. If you notice that the service light on the dashboard is on, there is something that needs to be checked. The brake light is yellow or red and colour and you may notice an exclamation point symbol with the word “brake.” Don’t ignore this sign and get your brakes checked as your brake pads may need to be replaced.
Odd sounds when brakes are applied
When the brake pads start thinning, the metal where the brake pads are supposed to be starts scraping against the metal of rotors. This can cause sounds like grinding or squeaking when you apply the brakes. If you start noticing any odd sounds when you apply the brakes, it’s time to take your car to the mechanic and get your brakes checked.
Steering Wheel starts shaking or vibrating
The rotors help in smooth movement, turning of the vehicle and application of brakes. When the brake pads start to thin, they can affect the rotors which can cause an unwanted friction. If you feel any odd shaking or vibrating of the steering wheel, it may mean that your rotor is not functioning properly. Get the rotor and brake pads check as the thinning of brake pads may be causing this inconvenience.
Change in Brake Pressure
When you apply the brakes, you experience some resistance from the brake pedals. If you feel that there is any change in the resistance (it needs more or less pressure to apply the brakes), there is something wrong with the brakes. Take your vehicle at once to the mechanic and get it checked.
Your brake pedal should offer some resistance when you press on it. If you notice less (or more) resistance when you step on the brakes, your vehicle may need immediate brake repair.
Do all the brake pads need to be replaced at the same time?
The brake pads come in pairs, the front and the rear. You can either replace them in pairs or all of them at the same time. But the wear and tear for the front pads and the rear pads is not the same. The front brake pads are designed and built to absorb shock, friction and pressure when you apply brakes and are under pressure more frequently. That is why the front brake pads wear faster and you mechanic can replace them separately.
You can get all the brake pads checked by the mechanic and replaced if required. But usually, you may need to replace the front pair more frequently than the rear.
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