Importance of Brake pads

How to determine if your car brakes need replacement

As an essential safety feature for your vehicle, your brakes couldn't be more important. Best practice is to check brake pads about once a year, or every time you have your tires rotated. But safe braking involves more than just pads.

The driver operates the disc brake system by pushing his foot down on the brake pedal. This pushes against the master cylinder, which is basically a piston surrounded by brake fluid. The fluid moves down the brake lines where it forces the callipers to squeeze a pair of brake pads against a brake disc. This, in turn, slows the wheel down. The energy released from stopping your car’s motion is converted into waste heat, which has to be dispersed.

As the disc has a relatively quick cooling time, this type of brake offers a better stopping performance than drum brakes. The friction material layer becomes thinner over time, as a result of usage and eventually the brake pads need to be replaced.

Decreased braking performance: As the brake pad friction material wears thin, braking efficiency can decrease, leading to increased stopping distances. This can be dangerous as an extra foot or two of braking distance can be enough to cause an accident. Inspect the brake pads and entire braking system if you are suspicious of this condition.

Feeling the Difference: Changes in Brake Pedal Response: Another clear indicator is a change in the responsiveness of the brake pedal. If your pedal feels “spongy” or you have to press it down further than usual to stop the car, it could indicate an issue with the brake fluid or air in the brake lines. On the flip side, if the pedal feels unusually hard, it could be a sign of a blockage or an issue with the brake booster. Both scenarios warrant a professional inspection.

Vibrations: A Warning of Warped Rotors: Experiencing vibrations or pulsating sensations through the brake pedal or steering wheel during braking can signify warped rotors. Rotors can warp due to severe braking for extended periods, like when driving in hilly areas. Warped rotors result in uneven braking and can significantly affect the performance and safety of your vehicle.

Squealing: This noise is there for you. It’s not fun to hear, but the pads have a metal sensor that’s made to squeal when they are almost worn out. Some vehicles are equipped with electronic brake pad sensors. When the pad wears down, the sensor will turn on a dash warning light.

Grinding: If you hear a grinding sound most likely the brake pad metal backing has come in contact with the brake rotor because of worn friction material. Immediate attention should be given to the brake system. At this time, you should consider brake pad and rotor replacement. The extra money spent to ensure the best braking performance could make a life or death difference in sudden stopping situations.

Brake Light On Your Dashboard’s Alert System: Last but certainly not least, if your vehicle’s brake warning light illuminates, it’s a clear signal that there’s an issue with your braking system. This could range from low brake fluid to a malfunctioning ABS. It’s essential to get this checked out by a professional as soon as possible.

Brake Pad & Its Components At Shopee365

Quality car brake pads are essential for the safety, performance, and longevity of your vehicle. By understanding the different types of brake pads, recognizing the signs of wear, and following proper maintenance practices, you can ensure that your car stops effectively and safely. Whether you’re a casual driver or a performance enthusiast, choosing the right brake pads is crucial for optimal vehicle operation. At shopee365.com, we offer a wide range of high-quality car brake pads suitable for various vehicles and driving needs. Our expert team can help you select the best brake pads to ensure your vehicle remains safe and performs at its best.

Shopee365.com offers a variety of brake pad brands designed for different vehicle types, driving styles, and performance needs: Brembo, Bosch, Ferodo, Textar, Roulunds, SuperCircle, MLX, KBX, TVS, Meyle, Hi-Q, Rane, Mando, ATX, LPR, GMX, Herculean, Magneti Marelli and Many More.