When do I need to change my brake pads?

Brake performance is essential to overall safe driving. While it takes a lot of effort to keep your brake system working, consistent maintenance is almost entirely isolated from your car's brake pads, so how do you know when it's time to replace your car's brake pads?

Season

Depending on the car you drive and the climate you live in, your brake pads may experience a lot of stress at certain times of the year. The summer season can bring extreme heat, which can put a strain on the brake system as a whole. Your brake pads work by friction, which naturally creates heat. Hot weather can increase thermal friction, which puts more stress on the brake pads and the entire brake system. The summer season also means higher traffic volumes, which can lead to more frequent and intense braking. It's important to have your brake system ready for summer stress, so the first signs of a heat wave in your area can be a good sign that it's time to check your brake pads.

Similarly, harsh winter weather can affect how your car's brakes work. Cold weather, snow and ice on the roads can interrupt the braking process, increasing the friction needed to stop safely and quickly. This lag increases if your brake pads are worn out or ineffective. If your area is experiencing winter weather or storm season is approaching, you may want to consider having your brake pads checked by a professional. It is better to be safe than to be in trouble when you, your family and your safety are at risk. Seasonal changes to periods of intense weather, such as summer and winter, are the most important times to check brake pads.

Pay attention to your car

No one knows your car better than you, which means you're more likely to notice if your car isn't braking properly. When the material on your brake pads wears out, it may take your car longer to slow down and stop, which can make it harder to prevent accidents in dangerous driving situations. Also, if your car makes a loud metallic or grinding sound when braking, it means that your brake pads are not acting on their own; it's likely that your rotor is making contact with the caliper because your brake pads are too worn out. It is important to fix this problem before it escalates into something more serious or leads to an accident. If you notice signs of wear on your vehicle's brake system, this is a key indicator that it's time to replace your brake pads.

Self check brake pads

Brake pads are coated with friction materials that put pressure on your car's spinning rotor, helping you slow down and stop your car. Over time, this friction material wears out, which affects their overall braking performance. When your brake pads reach low friction material levels, you know it's time to replace the brake pads. If you're comfortable learning these materials on your own, you can test your brake pad composition at home to determine when it's time to replace your brake pad. Look at the rotor of your tires where the brake pads live in your vehicle. Check how much friction material is left on the existing brake pads. If it's close to or less than ¼ inch, you know it's time to change your brake pads. If you're not comfortable finding or checking these brake pads yourself, it's best to have the brake pad inspection and replacement done by professionals.

Listen to the experts

The best way to know when you need new brake pads is to listen to what your professional car service technicians have to say. With scheduled vehicle inspections, you'll always know that your brake pads are in top condition to keep you safe on the road. It can also help you prevent more costly damage that can result from faulty brakes. Thanks to experience and care, you will be able to repair the brakes quickly and at an affordable price to protect yourself on the road.

Brake pad service at Chapel Hill

If you're looking for brake pad service in the NC Triangle, Chapel Hill Tire has 7 service locations between Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrborough where experts are ready to help! Let our service technicians inspect and replace your brake pads today!

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