If you've owned a car for very long, you probably know you'll need to replace the brake pads at some point. The pads wear down over time, and it's important to replace them because other parts of your brake system can go bad if the pads wear all the way down. Here's a quick look at how brakes work, signs your brakes are bad, and what happens when you get brake service.
Brakes Wear Out Faster The More You Use Them
Brakes are thick pads that fit on metal plates. When you depress the brake pedal with your foot, the pads press against parts that slow the wheels so the wheels eventually stop. The brake pads are made of material that sacrifices itself every time the brakes are used, so the rate at which brakes wear out depends on how often you drive and the conditions you drive under. The more you use the brakes, the quicker they wear down, and the sooner you'll need brake service to change them.
Signs Brake Pads Give When They're Going Bad
Ideally, you'll have your brake pads checked regularly so you know when they're getting thin. Then you can avoid experiencing the signs of bad brake pads. More importantly, you won't risk damaging other parts of your brake system due to worn-down pads. If your brakes haven't been checked in a long time, they'll let you know they're getting thin by the sounds they make and the way they act.
Your brake pedal may feel loose and be closer to the floorboard. Your car might shudder when you hit the brakes. It could take longer for your car to come to a stop when you brake, which could be dangerous.
Your brakes might also make loud screeching or metal grinding noises. These indicate your pads are so thin that metal is rubbing against metal. The grinding noises are an especially bad sign since that could mean expensive brake parts are being damaged.
Brake Service Includes Checking All Brake Parts
When you take your car to an auto shop for brake service, the technician will not only replace your brakes, they'll also check all the parts of your brake system to make sure none of those parts are worn out or damaged by driving with bad brakes. If any other parts are damaged, they'll need to be repaired or replaced too, since driving with brakes that aren't in good shape is dangerous.
When brake pads are new, they engage much quicker since the pads are thicker. The brake pedal will also feel stiffer and be higher from the floorboard. Keep that in mind so you don't hit the brakes too hard and give your car a jolt as you drive away from the auto shop.
Contact a company like Heritage Auto Pro to learn more.
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