Whether you’re new on the road or you are a seasoned driver, it’s always useful to remind yourself of the importance and maintenance of vital car components. Brake pads are something drivers rarely think about, but which are vital for your safety and that of other road users. Here’s what you need to know.
When you push the brake pedal on your vehicle, the brake pad hits the brake disc, which causes the vehicle to slow down or stop. This process relies on friction, so over time the brake pads wear down, making them less effective.
Types of brake pad
There are different types of brake pad, and the type that you have will depend on the make and age of your vehicle. These include:
Organic brake pads are made from a mixture of materials including rubber, fibreglass, and Kevlar. Like many lower cost products, organic brake pads tend to wear out more quickly than more expensive ones.
Semi-metallic brake pads contain metal fibres to help the pads to last longer and to aid heat dispersion. Semi-metallic brake pads offer high performance, but they are noisier than organic ones and are more likely to wear down the brake discs due to their increased durability.
Ceramic brake pads are high performance pads comprised of ceramic and copper fibre. They’re quiet, durable, and produce minimal brake dust, which makes them an ideal choice for modern vehicles, despite being slightly more expensive.
For high performance and sports cars. Performance brake pads have outstanding stopping power, however they may need to be warmed up in order to function fully.
Brake pad wear and tear
Brake pads should be replaced every 25,000 – 60,000 miles, depending on how often you use your vehicle. If you notice any of the following, it’s likely that you need to replace your brake pads:
- Longer stopping time – if you notice that your braking distance is longer, new pads may be the answer.
- Squeaking or grinding when you apply pressure on the brake pedal – this is a sign that your pads are worn.
- Vibrations when braking – if it feels like your car is juddering or vibrating when you brake, your pads could be worn unevenly.
- Dashboard warning light – the most obvious sign in modern cars is the brake pad sensor going off.
If you experience any of the above, head to a local garage and ask them to take a look. When it comes to replacing brake pads, you might decide to spend some time considering which pads will best suit your needs. If you drive a lot, especially in cities, higher quality pads may cost more now but are likely to save you money in the future.
As with all elements of vehicle maintenance, if in doubt, get it checked out. For more tips, follow Trust A Garage on Facebook or Twitter.