Checking the vehicle’s maintenance needs is something you’ll have to do at some time, especially when it comes to replacing its components. The brakes, and more specifically, the linings or pads, are an important part of your vehicle’s safety system.
Brake pad replacement is an underappreciated maintenance task. We usually ignore it and then bear the consequences. These small but vital components, like brakes, convert kinetic energy into heat at the main contact between the braking system and the wheels.
Importance of Brake Pads
A car comes to a stop when the brake pads rub against the braking drum or rotor, generating friction. Pressing the brake pedal causes the brake pads to contact the rotor or drum, which in turn creates friction and slows down the vehicle. Because of the high temperatures produced, the brake pads will eventually wear out and need brake pad replacement.
Accidents are more likely to occur, and stopping distances are higher when using brake pads that are worn out. This reduces the efficiency of the braking system. For this reason, you should check the brake pads often and replace them as needed to keep everyone in the vehicle and on the road safe.
Read more: Common Rim Damage and the Best Methods for Rim Repair
Types of Brake Pads
Different kinds of brake pads have various benefits and drawbacks that you should know. Among the most prevalent types are:
Ceramic Pads
These are made of ceramic fibers and filler components that are not ferrous. Their capacity to withstand high temperatures, together with their low noise and dust levels, has made them famous. But, compared to other brake pads, their price is usually higher.
Semi-Metallic Pads
These pads are constructed with a mixture of metal fibers, filler components, and binding glue. They are not only long-lasting but also cheap and resistant to heat. However, they may make more noise and dust than other brake pad options.
Organic Pads
Organic brake pads are a hybrid of synthetic and natural components, including glass, Kevlar, and rubber. They stop smoothly, don’t make a lot of noise or dust, and are cheap. Nevertheless, they may not be the best choice for high-performance vehicles because of their rapid wear and tear.
Low-Metallic Pads
Brake pads that are low in metallic content use binding glue, metal fibers, and filler components. These brake pads are comparable to semi-metallic ones, but they’re less noisy and don’t produce as much dust since they contain less metal. However, high-performance vehicles may not be a good fit for them.
Signs Indicating Brake-Wear
The driver of some vehicles can be alerted by a dashboard light when the brake pads are worn out, thanks to brake-pad sensors. While annoying, the screeching coming from certain braking systems when they become too thin is often harmless. Some signs that you should look out for include:
- A metal scraper that is fastened to the pads acts as an alert. A grumbling, grinding sound instead of a scream indicates that one or more wheel pads may be totally worn down, and applying further braking pressure might damage the rotors.
- Changing the brake pads before they show any of the mentioned indicators (or worse) will guarantee that your car can consistently perform the fastest and safest stops possible. Because brake-pad lifespan can vary substantially depending on how you drive.
- Once the brake pads reach their service limit, which is typically about 0.1 inch, they should be replaced. We advise looking into how much it will cost to replace brake pads ahead of time since the price may vary substantially based on several variables.
If your car makes this noise, you should not hesitate to have it checked out at a brake shop. Even better, you should change the pads right when you see any warning signs.
Recommended Interval Between Brake Pad Replacement
You should change your brakes at your discretion. Depending on your driving habits and the amount of miles you put on them, your vehicle’s brakes may last 80,000 kilometers or more. However, for delivery vans and other heavy-duty vehicles, it could be necessary to replace them every 25,000 to 30,000 kilometers.
Your owner’s handbook may contain the suggested intervals for brake changes for your car’s make and model. Your brakes are an absolute must to keep you and other drivers safe on the road. Make sure you inspect them often to avoid any problems.
Reliable Brake Pad Replacement in NYC
Is there any visible damage to your brake pads? Is there anything obviously wrong with them? When you press down on the brakes while driving, does it take a while for your car to come to a stop? If you see any of these indicators of wear, it’s time for brake pad replacement.
At NYC Wheel Pros, we prioritize your brake pad needs. Contact us for more information.
