When Should I Get My Brake Pads Replaced?

Besides your engine and starter plug, an essential part of your car has to be your brake system. It's vital to keep your brake pads in good condition and know when to replace them. When brake pads should be replaced can vary in answers based on the driver's environment, driving habits, and how many miles are being commuted. Here at Wrench, we gathered some information to know when you might need new brake pads and the benefits of setting up an appointment with Wrench. It's as simple as pressing the free quote button below for more.

We offer support from our trusted mobile technicians who are ASE-certified to ensure that our customers get the best service and support possible. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to investing in technology and offering the best services possible. For more information, make sure to check out our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Signs That Your Brake Pads Need Replacement

Like many issues related to cars, this list is meant to help pinpoint the possibility of your brake pads needing to be replaced. If you aren't confident with your car's braking capabilities, try booking an appointment with our mobile mechanics, better safe than sorry to check out a piece of equipment with the sole purpose being safety. If our mechanics believe you need to change your brake pads, we would be able to set up an appointment to get it resolved as quickly as possible.

• Squeaking and Grinding:
  This occurs when brake pads are nearly due for a change. If they aren't changed accordingly, they will continue to damage parts of your car like its rotors, leading to warping from metal to metal contact.
• Increased Vibration:
  When resistance is met by vibration when pressing the brakes, it could be due to an uneven distribution (or glazing) of binding resin to the brake pads, causing it to vibrate.
• Brake Fade:
  Ever step on your brakes, and it takes longer to stop than usual? This can be prevalent to those living in hilly areas or applying the brakes over a certain distance without entirely halting the vehicle.
• Car Leans More On One Side When Braking:
  Brake pads most likely won't be wearing out simultaneously. One may wear out faster than the other, causing it to stop more quickly on one side than the other.
• Light Indicator:
  A benefit to modern vehicles is the safety checklists they can be equipped with, such as brake warning lights. If the light is on without your emergency brakes being engaged, it's time to see a mechanic.
• Visibly Worn:
  If you have experience with brake pad replacements, you might have been told that a way to see if you are due for a change is by locating the brake pad and seeing if it is less than 1/4in or 6.4mm thick.
• Over 20k Miles:
  As much as these signs could be reasons your brakes are worn, sometimes no warnings appear before it's too late. For safety, make it a habit to check your brake pads every 20k miles to ensure your safety isn't compromised.

Where Can I Get Them Replaced?

One of the coolest things Wrench has to offer is the comfort of having a mobile mechanic come to you. Why not have the option to continue with your day while our trusty ASE-certified mechanics handle your car problems, all while doing it in your garage, office parking lot, and other approved locations. Wrench is a one-of-a-kind service that is easy to use by simply filling out a free quote online or calling our support line to eliminate the stress of picking up your car and waiting in lines. Our quotes only require your car's information like make, model, and year along with your location and intended services needed. If you suspect your vehicle needs repairs, we also have options to have our technicians run a diagnostic on your car.

Brake Pad Recap: Should I Replace Them?

It's no secret that brakes play a vital role in keeping our roads safe and allow us to slow down when needed. Countless times across the globe, there are damages caused by compromised braking systems that could have been prevented by keeping a habit of inspecting them every 20k miles minimally. Car manufacturers have even designed "wear indicators" built into brake pads that make screeching sounds to let you know it's time to see a mechanic.

It's best not to leave it alone for too long, as continued wear will eventually damage your rotors by warping them. This will be a costly repair that could have been avoided by simply checking your vehicle's brake pads. If you are prone to environments that require more braking than others, you could be looking to upgrade your car's braking pads. Spending extra on your safety is never the wrong option.

If you aren't entirely sure, ask our ASE-certified technicians, and they'll be happy to help.

Want an appointment for a car diagnostic?

Just click on the free quote below and fill out the form regarding your car and self-information. Once that is complete, you can set an appointment to have our mobile mechanic come to you as long as it fits our safety requirements.