Not everyone is interested in working with their car and getting into the nitty-gritty. Unfortunately, brake pads are part of the course of life with vehicle ownership, and they are one of the most common problem areas you’ll be dealing with. If there’s one part of the car you should come to grips with, it’s your brakes.
Some people think that the moment you start hearing that high-pitched screeching from your brakes, their brakes are gone, and they are in a lot of trouble. The screech is built that way to warn you sooner rather than later that your brakes are wearing down and it’s time to get them replaced.
Once you hear the screeching begin, it’s time to get some break repair. You can visit us for brake repair Sacramento.
7 Signs You Need to Bring Your Car in for Break Repair
Here are 7 of the most common signs that something has gone wrong with your brake system, and it’s time to get it checked:
1. Screeching with new pads
If you still hear screeching after getting new brake pads, there may be another issue going on. This can mean your rotors are glazed, which causes extra heat and the burning of metal. You can check this by looking for a dark ring on your rotors, which means you need to replace them. This can happen because of braking sharply at high speeds, so try to prevent that in the future.
2. Vibration when braking
Similar to screeching with new pads, if you feel a vibration while applying the brakes, that could mean a problem with your rotors. In this case, the vibration is usually caused by warped rotors. Warped rotors can cause serious issues with braking and need to be addressed sooner rather than later. Generally speaking, rotor issues are more of a concern than just brake pad issues and should be professionally examined.
3. Slow to stop
If your brakes don’t seem to be responding as quickly as they should to breaking, that can be a problem. Often, a lack of responsiveness in this way means there’s a leak in the brake system. This is a simple problem for a mechanic to fix, as they can find a leak in the air or brake fluids and replace the hosing easily.
4. Veering to one side
If you are applying your brakes and you find your car veering off to one side, that means there is a severe problem with your brakes. Often this is because one brake pad is wearing down much faster than another. It can also be because of brake hose issues. This can be a severe problem while driving, so it is essential to have it inspected by a qualified technician.
5. Puddle in the driveway
When you pull out of the driveway, you might sometimes see a puddle underneath your car. That’s a solid indication of brake fluid leaking from your vehicle. Now, if it’s slimy and shines with a rainbow, that may be motor oil. Otherwise, if it’s thinner and less colorful, it’s likely brake fluid. Always make sure to get any leaks checked out once you’ve spotted them, as they can cause real problems in the long run.
6. Visible wear-and-tear
You can also simply check for your brake pads problems with a quick visual check. If you see some visible wear-and-tear, it may be time for a replacement. A thin brake pad is about a quarter-inch thick or less. If it’s gotten that thin, that’s when it’s time to get them inspected.
7. Grinding sounds
Finally, there’s one more concerning sound that you may hear. That’s a heavy grinding sound that can indicate something concerning. This means you are past the stage of warning, and the brake pads are worn off. This is incredibly dangerous and should be addressed immediately. You’ll likely have to replace the rotors and brake pads, plus potentially other parts of the brake system from damage.
FAQ for brake repair
How often should I expect to replace my brake pads?
Brake pads are ground down more or less depending on a variety of factors. Generally, you can expect to replace them about once every 50,000 miles. For some people who stop more often with their vehicles, 25,000 miles is more likely, whereas for others going long stretches without pumping the brakes can get up to 75,000 miles.
You can find a more accurate measure of your car model’s expected brake pad turnover in the owner’s manual.
How long will my brake pads last once they start screeching?
This depends on the manufacturer. You all have a little bit of metal inside the brake pad to warn you that it is nearing the end of its life. You will have a bit of time after the grinding begins to replace your brakes, but the longer you wait, the more dangerous things become.
Realistically, I would book a brake repair at an auto repair near me to fix the problem as soon as the screeching begins.
How much does it cost to replace brake pads?
Costs vary, but typically it’s $300 for all four brake pads or $75 a pad. This will change based on different services, locations, and vehicle models but should be a good indication of the average cost.
Final Thoughts
Getting your brakes inspected and repaired is a normal function of auto repair. If you are in the area, you can come to our Sacramento Auto Mechanic shop to get an inspection of your brakes to see where they are at.
The biggest indicator that something is wrong is when your brake pads start making noise. Of course, there are other issues, too, mostly to do with hose leaks, but typically, the screeching is your first line of defense.
Things are more severe if you hear a grinding noise or your car is veering off to one side. Brakes are something that you should become acquainted with as a car owner. They need to be replaced relatively often, and there are quite a few different signs that one needs to watch out for to see if something is amiss.