5 Signs That Your Brake Pads Are Worn

Brake pads are an important component of a car's braking system. They are crucial in ensuring that your vehicle comes to a complete stop at the appropriate time.

Between the brake calipers and the brake discs are the brake pads. When they make contact with the metallic surface of the brake discs, friction develops, and your vehicle comes to a standstill.

However, the frequent rubbing of the brake pads against the brake discs leads them to wear down to the point where you may have trouble stopping your vehicle. If you had a past MOT test failure owing to brake pads on your car's MOT history checker, it is because of this safety concern.

Grinding or screeching noises when braking are the most prevalent signs of worn brake pads. When your brake pads are worn, you'll notice a wear indicator on your dashboard in many modern vehicle models. In rare situations, it might also result in a spongy brake pedal. Before booking your next MOT testing service, have this issue diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic.

Because brake pads are so important, there are a variety of symptoms that might emerge. Here's a more in-depth look at the top five signs of defective or worn brake pads:

1.      Grinding or screeching noises - If you hear a grinding or screeching noise when you press the brake pedal, the brake pads may be completely worn out. This might be because the metal brake pad plate rubs on the metal brake disc when the brake pad material is completely gone. As you can think, metal hitting metal produces a horrible sound. If you hear a horrible screech when you brake, it's time to examine your brake pads. You should look for car mechanics near me online and schedule an appointment as soon as possible since you do not want to put your safety at danger.

2.      Brake pad wear indicator - Most modern vehicles include brake wear indicators that appear when the brake pad material is 2-3 mm or 0.04′′ to 0.1′′ left. If your dashboard displays a wear signal, it's time to inspect your brake pads. The wear indicator wires and connectors can often produce false dashboard warnings, but it's worth double-checking by going online and looking for car services near me, then scheduling an appointment with a skilled mechanic. The majority of vehicles, however, only feature a wear indicator on the front brakes, while a handful have it on both axles.

3.      Spongy brake pedal - A faulty brake pad might be the cause of a spongy brake pedal. When portions of the brake pad break away, the brake pedal plate bends when you apply the brakes. Often, you must remove the brake pedals to check broken brake pads caused by loose parts. A cursory glance from the outside may not be sufficient.

4.      Increased braking distance - If the brake pads are worn down to the metal plate, the brake distance will undoubtedly increase. This is due to the fact that stopping your vehicle with metal against metal does not produce the same level of friction. It's also possible that pieces of the brake pad have come away, resulting in decreased friction against the brake disc.

5.      Scratches on the brake disc surface - If your brake disc has terrible scratches and a weird surface, it's possible that the brake pad has worn down to the metal plate. When comparing the surface to the rest of your car's brake discs, this is typically obvious.

Brake pads are a necessary part of any braking system. When you press your foot on the brake pedal, the brake pads are pressed against the brake discs, generating friction.

This friction causes your vehicle to slow down till it comes to a complete stop, depending on how long you press your foot on the brake pedal.

Brake pads wear out within a few years of use since they are used every time you push the brake pedal (or sooner). The type of brake pads you use, the vehicle you drive, and how you drive all have an impact on how long they last.