When to change brake pads: Minimum thickness
Every vehicle has many critical components, but the brakes and brake pads are arguably some of the most vital parts. Most modern cars use disc brakes for braking. When you press the brake pedal, the brake pads will be pressed against the brake disc, also called the rotor, and the vehicle will brake.
Knowing when to change brake pads is crucial for the brakes to work as they should, so that you have sufficient braking power. Every time you press the brake, it will cause the pads to wear down over time. This wear is completely normal and is intended for use, replacing the brake pads when they reach the minimum thickness is part of routine vehicle maintenance.
Everyone must inspect their vehicle's brake discs and pads regularly, for safety reasons and to avoid costly repairs.
What is the minimum thickness for brake pads?
Like most auto parts, brake pad thickness specifications depend largely on the make and model of the vehicle. Braking systems can be very different across models, even though they are all disc brake systems. For example, heavy trucks need more braking power than compact cars and usually have much larger brake discs and pads.
A general rule of thumb is to have the brakes inspected by a mechanic when the thickness is about seven mm. The minimum thickness specified for your brake pads may be different. You should pay attention to other signs, which indicate that they need to be replaced.
Signs that the brake pads need to be replaced
Since brake pads are designed to wear down and need replacement, manufacturers have different indicators to tell you when to replace your brake pads.
Here are the most important signs that brake pads need to be replaced:
You hear a grinding noise from the brakes
The vehicle shakes or vibrates when braking
A warning light appears in the vehicle
The most common sign that your brake pads need replacing is a screeching noise. This sound comes from a small piece of metal embedded in the blocks.
When the pads wear down to the minimum level, the piece of metal makes contact with the brake disc and makes a loud noise every time you brake. This is completely normal and tells you that you should take the car to a mechanic for inspection and probably replacement.
If the noise gets worse and turns into a grinding sound, it is serious. You have then most likely worn away all of the brake material on the pads.
When all the brake material is worn away, the back plate of the brake pad will come into contact with the brake disc. This should not happen as it can lead to serious braking problems, including a complete lock up of the brakes.
Likewise, vibration when braking is another serious sign. This can be caused by brake pads that need replacing, discs/rotors that have broken or other problems such as a stuck brake caliper, the mechanism that presses the brake pad against the brake disc. This is not common and requires immediate repair.
Some vehicles have a sensor in the brake system to determine when the brake pads should be replaced. A warning light will appear inside the vehicle when the brake pads need to be checked. But you shouldn't ignore other signs just because the light doesn't appear.
These are similar to the tire pressure sensors, only they are for your brakes. They aren't always perfect, but if the light is on, check to see if your brakes need service.
How to check brake pads
Since brake pads wear out quite quickly on many cars, it is essential to check them regularly. Many people can do this at home using tools found in almost any vehicle. These are tools intended to be used to fix flat tires.
To get the best view possible, jack up the vehicle and remove the wheel so you can see the brake pads. Since brake pads can wear unevenly, it is best to check all four brake pads. But the front pads almost always wear faster, so at least check them.
Follow these steps to check your brake pads.
Jack up the vehicle
The owner's manual usually has instructions for jacking up the vehicle. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid injury or putting yourself at risk. You should wear gloves as it helps to avoid injuries, prevents oil or dirt from getting on parts it shouldn't and keeps the skin free of grease and dirt. Here are some general instructions you can follow.
Find a level surface, park the vehicle and apply the handbrake. Place blocks by the tires that are not raised from the ground. Find the correct lifting point as described in the owner's manual, position the jack as indicated, and slowly begin to jack up the vehicle.
Before lifting the tires off the ground, loosen the nuts slightly. Then jack up the vehicle high enough so that the tires do not touch the ground and place at least one jack stand under the vehicle. Never rely on the jack alone to hold the vehicle off the ground.
Then remove the wheel nuts and take the wheel off the car.
Inspect the brake pads and brake discs
When the wheel is off, you can see the brake disc or rotor surrounding the center hub. The brake caliper is mounted around part of the brake disc, and the brake pads can be found inside the caliper. Avoid touching the surface of the rotor. It can affect the contact points between the brake discs and pads.
It is crucial to examine the brake pads if you suspect they may be the problem. You should replace the discs and pads immediately if there are marks on them, even if you don't notice other signs, such as strange noises.
To check the pads, look at the caliper and brake disc from the side. You will see that the pads rest directly on the brake disc. This situation is normal and should not create much friction without the brake pedal being depressed. When calipers are stuck, they create more friction than they should.
Measure how much material is on the brake pads. Do not measure with the backplate if you can see it. You can also look for the small piece of metal that will make contact with the brake disc as the pads wear down.
If the pads are below the manufacturer's specification for replacement, are less than 7mm thick, or if the piece of metal contacts the rotor, you probably need to replace the brake pads. Take the car to a mechanic for inspection and possible repair.
The importance of checking and changing brake pads regularly
Terrible things can happen when the braking system fails, reduced braking power increases total braking distance. Do yourself, your loved ones and everyone else on the road a favour, check and replace your brake pads regularly or as needed.
By doing so, you will not only avoid damage, but you can also save money on expensive and extensive repairs.
If you allow the pads to wear down too much, parts can dig into the brake discs. Sometimes you can replace the pads without replacing the discs, unless you have neglected to replace the brake pads. You can even damage the calipers. It can be very expensive, and calipers don't really need replacing except in extreme cases.
Conclusion: When should you change your brake pads?
To extend the life of your vehicle's braking system and make driving as safe as possible, don't forget to check your brake pads regularly or have a mechanic do it. Replace them when necessary to avoid more expensive repairs and potentially reduced braking power.
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