Maintaining your vehicle’s brakes is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your safety. Worn or damaged brake pads can lead to longer stopping distances and a greater risk of an accident, so it’s important to know when it’s time to replace them. Here are 7 indications that it may be time to change out your car’s brake pads:
- Squealing or Grinding Noises – If you’re hearing a high pitched squeal, it’s time for new brakes as the noise indicates worn brake pads.
- Vibrations When Braking – If your car begins to vibrate when you depress the brake pedal, it could be a sign that your brake pads are wearing thin.
- Longer Stopping Distance – If you notice that your car takes longer to come to a complete stop, it could be because your brake pads have worn down and they need replacing.
- Pulling or Drifting When Braking – Unevenly worn brake pads can cause your car to pull in one direction or the other when braking.
- Brake Pedal Pulses – If your brake pedal begins to pulsate, it is indicative of warped rotors and should be looked at as soon as possible.
- Metallic Smell When Braking– If you smell a metallic odor when pressing on the brakes, then this could be a sign that your brake pads are worn out and need replacing.
- Low Brake Fluid Level – If you notice that your brake fluid is low, it may be an indication that your brake pads have worn down and need to be replaced soon.
No matter how careful you are with maintenance, the fact remains that brake pads wear down over time and must eventually be replaced. Keeping an eye out for these 7 indications can help you be prepared and know when it’s time to bring your car in for brake pad replacement. This way, you can ensure that your vehicle is running as safely as possible.