Bad Brake Pad Warning Signs You Should Watch Out For
Brake pads are an essential component of your car's disc brake system. They work by being pressed against a rotor disc, generating the friction required to slow down or halt a car. Due to the friction they generate during car operation, brake pads tend to wear out over time and will need to be replaced.
Knowing the symptoms of worn or damaged brake pads is crucial for ensuring timely replacement of your brake system's pads. Below are some of the common warning signs your car needs new brake pads.
Delayed Braking
When your disc brake system is working properly, it stops the vehicle almost immediately when you apply gentle pressure on the brake pedal. If your car is taking longer than usual to stop, this is a sign that it is losing its braking ability and worn brake pads are a likely culprit.
Worn pads don't generate enough friction to stop the car when they squeeze together against a rotor disc. This results in slower brakes.
Brake Noises
A normally-functioning braking system shouldn't make any annoying noises when the brakes are applied. If you hear a grinding, squealing, squeaking, scraping, or other strange noise when you are braking, this is an indication that you may need to replace your brake pads.
Bad brake pads aren't the only cause of brake noises, so every unusual noise heard when applying the brakes should be thoroughly investigated.
Brake Warning Light
Virtually every modern car has a computer to help with vehicle operation, control, and diagnostics. One of the main tasks of the computer is to alert the driver of any problem with the vehicle. If the brake warning light comes on when you apply the brakes, this is a symptom of bad brakes.
Your brake pads are one of the many components in your brake system that could be bad and need to be replaced.
Vibration
If you feel a vibration when you put your foot on the brake pedal, this could be because of bad brake pads. Worn or damaged brake pads cause a vibration when they make contact with the rotor disc. The vibration may be accompanied by a high-pitched whining noise.
If you notice any of the above signs of brake trouble, consider taking your car to the nearest mechanic shop to get your brakes checked and replaced. Timely brake repairs will help to keep everyone safe on the road.
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