Importance of Checking your Brake Pads

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Importance of Checking your Brake Pads

Appropriate brake pad inspection and maintenance is not only crucial for your car’s performance and longevity but also for your safety as a passenger or driver as they assist in stopping or slowing down your vehicle. In your regular auto maintenance, it can be possible that the brakes are overlooked which can be fatal.

So when do you check your brake pads?

There is no definite schedule as to when it would be appropriate to change your car’s brake pads. That means, in determining the amount of deterioration, you may want to consider checking your car’s brake pads on a regular basis. In which manner and where you drive your vehicle determines brake pad’s wear and tear on your car. For instance, when you drive in urban areas, your vehicle’s brake pads could exhaust faster compared to someone who drives on rural roads; that’s because of the constant stopping and starting in the congested city traffic. About every six months, every time when you get your tyres rotated, get your brake pads checked professionally. Alternatively, you can speak to a qualified technician to better understand what’s right for your specific vehicle. Also, you can check your vehicle’s owner manual.

There are signals to look for that your brakes maybe needing to be replaced.

Scrutinise the Wheels

Brake dust accumulation in the wheel is acticly a sign of normal wear. The quantity of dust on the wheels helps lessen the brake pads deteriorate completely. Finding  your wheels cleaner, after previous brake dust pile up may be a indicator for brake pads replacement.

Feel Your Steering Wheel & Brake Pedal

If you can feel a vibration in the brake pedal at the time of braking,  especially when the brake pads are worn. Also at the time of braking, if the steering wheel vibrates then it may also be an indicator of brake pad issues.

Keep Watch over Your Vehicle’s Brake Pad

You can see through the wheel, to check the brake pads in many of the cars. To determine its thickness, look at it. Suppose, it appears to be very thin, less than a ¼ inch then in all likelihood it requires replacement. Some of the brake pads come with a slot in the centre, which acts as a wear pointer; monitor this slot and if it has just vanished, the pad most likely requires replacement.

Listen to Your Vehicle’s Brakes

Many vehicle’s brake pads are designed in a way that it produces a sound as an early warning indicating replacement is required. The sound is similar to metal scraping in the wheels when the car is moving and the noise produced will normally increase when brakes are used repeatedly. Even after the inspection, if your vehicle’s brakes make louder sounds then your vehicle may require different repairs and/or adjustments.

Summing Up

Your car’s brake pads inspection is crucial and replacing exhausted brake pads will not only help to make your car safer but in the long run, it will also aid in saving money by averting preventable accidents. If you do not feel confordent enough to check & maintain your own brake pads you can always get them checked when you are geeting a service, new tyres or tyre rotation. 

It is also worth noting if you are changing your brake pads, it is wise to do the brake fluid at the same time. We have a huge range of brake bleeder tools including, wrenches, kits, pumps, one man bleeder tools & syringe.

We can help with our large range of brake pads from ACDelco. ACdelco has been around since late 1974, first starting with Spark Plugs, before moving into brake pads, fuel, oil, air filters and batteries. AcDelco is part of the GM group. Bendix is another top notch brand we sell, they are no small name in the world of brakes either, they have been around for over 90 years originally founded in 1924 South Bend Indiana US, supplying GM & other automobile manufacturers. 

Both are A1 in the world of brake pads, and are the preferred choice by mechanics Australia wide!   

Don't forget ALWAYS check your brake pads before towing a trailer, caravan or boat, and before any driving family holidays.

If you require any more details on brake pads or any other service parts for your car please contact us on email equiry form, email us directly at cs@australianonlinecarparts.com.au or call us on 02 4232 2181, we are here to help. 

Safe travels. :)