Knowing The Signs That Your Brake Pads Are Worn Out
It’s fair to say that nobody likes to start their week off with car trouble. While you’re not expected to be an expert about all the bells and whistles of your prized possession, knowing the basics may be beneficial to you on a day where car troubles sneak up on and creep into your life. While a car needs all its mechanisms and systems to run cohesively in order to remain roadworthy and to get you to you daily destinations, there are some parts that do require a little more attention. The brake system is one of the most important to maintain, not only to keep the car going, but in order to keep you and your family safe at all times. Preemptive behaviour will always trump reactive behaviour, especially when it comes to your brake pads. Let’s explore the signs of a worn brake pad, in order for you to stay ahead of the game.
Using Your Senses as an Early Indicator
As a start, you should sharpen your senses to some of the unusual nuances of your car. Any kind of screeching, rubbing, grinding or squealing when you press on the brakes should not be ignored. Similarly, if there is a burning smell near the tires, that may just be their way of trying to get your attention. Use a collection of senses to establish that something is wrong, and don’t delay in getting it checked out. While brake pads are built to be durable, once they start giving problems, it’s time to get them checked and replaced right away.
Pay Attention to the Pedal and Steering Wheel
If you’ve clocked a lot of kilometers onto the car, you’ll likely have a good sense of what it normally feels like when you press the pedal, hit the brake or how the steering wheel feels when you’re driving. You should have a good idea of what it’s like when the car is operating at a normal level, regardless of whether you’re driving in a suburb or on a highway. Pay attention to any changes in how the steering wheel or pedals feels, in particular when you press the brake. If you notice any subtle changes, or even some that are not-so-subtle, it’s worth heading to the shop right away to get a second opinion.
It Starts To Take Longer To Complete Normal Brake Functions
If you’re needing to press down farther than usual onto the brake pad, or if you’re noticing that the car is taking longer than usual to come to a complete stop, it can also be a sign that the brake pads are worn out. Your brakes should be relatively sharp at all times, as they are the primary component keeping you safe on the roads. If you’re unsure as to whether the reaction times of the car are a little slower, ask a passenger to drive with you around the block, and together you can log the stoppage times using a cellphone timer. You can then present this information to the experts at the workshop, to assist them with a wider range of information in order to better diagnose the problem.
Don’t Forget: The Brake Warning Light Is Your Friend
Most modern cars come equipped with a warning light that indicates that the brakes are faulty, or that something in the system isn’t quite 100%. Make sure you read up about it in the car booklet, as the worst thing you could do is simply ignore it altogether. Once the problem has been brought to your attention, your best bet is going to be to take the car into a workshop right away, and subsequently you should start shopping around online for some quotes as well.
Getting a Cost Estimate to Repair Your Brake Pads
Luckily, especially if you’re in the Gauteng area, help isn’t far away. Safety Brake & Clutch has decades of experience in assisting motorists with their brakes and clutches, while providing great prices and even better service. If you’d like to get expert advice around handling the replacement of your brake pads, or are looking for a second opinion related to another problem you may be having with your car, this is the way to go. Here’s to a healthy, happy car, providing a safe journey for you and your family every time.