Brake pads play a vital role in your braking system, as they generate the friction that brings your wheels to a stop. These pads gradually wear down and need replacement. As your Chevrolet dealer in Fort Smith, AR, we’d like you to know more about your pads and why it’s important to replace them.
How Long Do Pads Last?
The pads have a friction material covering that generates friction against the wheel rotors. This friction slows and stops the rotors, and your car comes to a halt. The friction material on the pads gradually wears off as the pads work. Your Chevy’s pads usually last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles between replacements. Driving conditions and driving habits also influence their replacement time.
What Happens If the Pads Aren’t Replaced?
Worn pads are dangerous, as they reduce the ability of your braking system to stop your car. As pads wear out, your brakes will take longer to activate, and your stopping distance will also increase. These changes are due to the worn coating on the pads. A thinner friction coating also means the calipers and braking system work harder to stop your car, which increases wear and tear.
Signs Your Pads Need Replacement
Screeching Pads
High-pitched screeching noises are a sign that your pads have worn down and need replacement. A new pad is 1/2″ thick, and when it reaches 1/4″ thickness, it’s due for replacement. The manufacturers install a warning sign in the pads in the form of a metal spike. Once a pad is due for replacement, this spike will become visible and will scratch the rotor surface. When you hear this sound, the pad needs to be replaced.
Grinding Brakes
Pads that arent replaced will continue to wear out. Once the friction material covering has worn off, the metal pads will be in direct contact with the rotors when you apply the brakes. You’ll start hearing a grinding noise as the metal pads scour the surface of the rotors. If the pads aren’t replaced, they will cause serious damage to the rotors.
Glazed Pads
Glazed pads aren’t necessarily worn out, but they are damaged. This damage occurs due to the pads being in contact with the rotors for an extended period, for example, if you ride your brakes. This close contact smooths the surface of the pads and prevents them from generating the friction necessary to stop your car.
Pads are one of the most important parts of your braking system. If your pads show signs of wear, call us right away at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith.
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