Last week we covered tires and how to perform a simple tread check so let’s move on to another high priority aspect of the motor vehicle – the brakes. As with most features in the present day vehicle the brakes and brake systems have improved considerably over the years but they are, and always will be mechanical so prone to wear and tear.
Brake pads are manufactured and sold in a range of materials that are attached to steel plates but one thing in common that they all share is that they will eventually wear down with use, the harder you apply the brakes or the more often you use them, the quicker they will wear and require replacing. The good news however is that brake pads do not require changing too often, unless you are driving the vehicle all day, everyday and the local road conditions will also play a part in how quickly or slowly the brake pads wear down. The typical lifespan could be anywhere between about 18,000 – 60,000 miles, though most are likely to be at the lower end of the scale.
Most vehicles now comprise of disk brakes, as opposed to drum brakes, and offer an improved stopping performance but they will still wear down with use, it is inevitable.
So how do you know when to get them changed?
There are only two methods of identifying worn out brake pads. One way is if you hear a high pitched “screeching noise” when you apply the brakes, the other is a visual inspection. Although the brakes are not that hard to access, most people do not as it involves removing the wheels. If you begin to question the braking efficiency of your vehicle, bring it along to our workshop where our brake repair specialists will conduct a thorough check and make recommendations as necessary.