There is no one-size-fits-all answer to when brake pads should be replaced, as their wear differs from driver to driver and in different scenarios. Ideally, you should monitor your car's brake pads for signs that indicate that they need replacing. Let's look at some of those signs here.
Noisy braking
Brake pads wear with time and use, and once they have reached the limit of their efficacy, you may start to notice some odd sounds when braking. Spent brakes emit a squeaking, squealing, or grinding sound. Once you hear a grinding sound, you should act quickly to prevent damage to the rotors.
Unsteady braking
Generally, vibrations are never a good sign. Vibrations while braking may indicate worn brake pads or warped rotors.
Slow braking
Monitoring the time between applying the brake and coming to a complete stop is helpful to determine whether your car's brakes are efficient or not. If you notice that your stop time is prolonged, it may indicate that the brakes are worn, and this should prompt you to consult a specialist and replace the pads if necessary.
Alternatively, this could be due to low brake fluid because of a leak. It is best to check your car's brake fluid level regularly.
Indicator lights
As a safety feature, your car probably has a brake system warning light. If the brake pad indicator light turns on, it could mean that the brake pads are worn and need attention. Additionally, some modern cars have computer interfaces that may flag an error with a message that may recommend a brake check.
Thinning brake pads
Luckily, the brake pads are readily available for inspection. A new brake pad is around 12mm thick, and once the brake pad is less than 6mm, you should consider having it replaced.
The above signs will help you to determine when you should replace your car's brake pads, which is essential as neglecting to do so may lead to further damage, repair costs, and the risk of significant injury. If you need brake repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop today!