How to tell if you need new brake pads

It goes without saying that your braking system is an indispensable part of your vehicle and more importantly, your safety. One of the most important parts of your car brakes is your brake pads. These pads are used every time you press down on the brake pedal. Your brake pads are responsible for creating friction to allow your car to slow down. This friction is created when the pads are pressed against the brake discs when you press the petal.

If you think about how often we use our brakes, you can imagine that your brake pads get worn out pretty easily.  The typical shelf life of your brake pads should be around 2-3 years, but this time period all depends on your style of driving and the conditions you drive in. Therefore, it’s best to know how to keep up with them and not rely on their generic maintenance schedule. 

The tell-tale signs of bad car brakes

Determining if it’s time for a brake pad checkup is easy. You’ll need to know the different symptoms and have a service center in mind. While these symptoms don’t indicate immediate danger, the longer you put brake pad replacement off, the more expensive the repair and the higher the risk of complete failure will be.

Now let’s check out the most common signs of worn brake pads:

• Brake Warning Light: When it’s time to change out your brake pads, the most obvious sign to recognize is your brake warning light. This light can indicate a brake issue other than just the pads, but 9 times out of 10 your pads will need the attention. 
• Vibrating Brakes: If every time you press the brake pedal you’re met with noticeable pulsating, you’re probably experiencing a problem with your pads or rotors. This symptom occurs when your pads come in contact with your rotor and one of them is worn. The damaged condition will cause the vibrations to be felt in the pedal. 
• Squealing Brakes: If you start to hear squealing sounds when using your car brakes, your pads need to be replaced. Car brakes squeal when they accumulate dust. Not only will dust build up cause noises but if left alone it will cause the brake sensor to make contact with the rotor. And this will lead to your backing plate connecting with your rotor, causing scraping noises every time you press down or off the pedal. 
• Delayed Brakes: Brake pads that are significantly worn will not able to create quality friction, meaning your car will not be able to decelerate as quickly as it should. It goes without saying that a slow brake response time is something not to be taken lightly. At the first sign of this, come to our Orlando service center to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. 
• Soft Brake Pedal: Another sign that your brake pads are due to be replaced is a soft feeling when braking. When your brakes are soft you’ll be able to brake, but you’ll have to exert more force to activate them. This symptom can be very dangerous as you may forget to press harder in a sudden braking situation. 

 
 
Visit Toyota of Orlando for quality auto service

Here at Toyota of Orlando we want you to always have a safe driving experience. So be sure to bring your ride into our Orlando dealership and we’ll have your car performing at its best. And the good news is, we’re always running service specials. Call us at (407) 298-4500 and schedule your appointment today!