Brakes are a vital component of every vehicle. They slow down the car, allowing you to stop safely.
Brakes are a vital component of every vehicle. They slow down the car, allowing you to stop safely in all situations. Fully-functioning brakes are crucial for handling critical conditions and avoiding collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. That’s why the brake system in your car shouldn’t be overlooked. Making sure that all the brake components work correctly is one of the primary safety concerns.
The brake callipers, pads, and rotors are the most significant parts of brakes and must be checked regularly. They can wear out over time, causing your brakes to malfunction and jeopardize your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. However, sometimes, it isn’t easy to figure out when these components are ready for replacement.
Brake pads give a lot of signs of deterioration, but they can sometimes be overlooked. Knowing more about their function and average longevity is necessary to act correctly and on time. With some extra knowledge about the topic, you can keep your brakes in top condition and avoid dangerous situations on the road. To help you out, we break down all the information about brake pads in the following article.
How Brake Pads Work
Your vehicle’s braking system includes a brake disc, a brake calliper, and a pair of brake pads. The pads are fitted in the calliper and are almost in contact with the two sides of the brake disc. The friction material on the brake pads creates the necessary friction to slow down the vehicle. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid in the calliper pushes each brake pad into the sides of the brake disc. The action results in friction that slows down the vehicle and allows you to stop it completely.
As you can see, brake pads are crucial to your vehicle’s braking system. They allow the other parts to function correctly and last longer. However, since every push of the pedal puts brake pads in contact with the disc, they are also highly prone to wear. The action takes place countless times every day, which is why brake pads have to be replaced occasionally.
Types of Brake Pads
There are several types of brake pads. They differ in the materials used for their construction and, consequently, in their overall longevity. Which one you’ll use mostly depends on your vehicle, driving habits, and personal preferences.
Organic Brake Pads
Organic pads use materials that contain non-metallic fibres. They include mainly fibreglass, rubber or Kevlar, and even cellulose. Although soft and quiet, these pads are only suitable for driving. They offer reliability and efficiency but don’t last for very long. What makes them appealing is the low price.
Metallic Brake Pads
Metallic brake pads are very durable. The material can withstand different temperatures and operate at its best for a long time, which is why they are so popular and widely used. Metallic brake pads don’t compress much, offering ultimate braking power without much pressure on the pedal. They are, however, a little noisy and might cause premature wear on the brake rotors.
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Semi-metallic brake pads contain up to 65 per cent metal; the rest are usually wool, wire, and copper. They have an impressive lifespan and can be found in most modern cars. Because semi-metallic brakes offer an excellent combination of high braking power, cost, and longevity, they are most commonly used. They provide outstanding efficiency even in extreme temperatures and can withstand much abuse. However, braking at low temperatures might require a tad more effort.
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Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads are more wear-resistant and last longer than all the above types. Ceramic is super strong and operates within a wide temperature range. The material makes the brake pads resistant to daily abuse and ideal for those looking for more durability. Also, these brake pads are cleaner and quieter than other types. Still, they have a couple of drawbacks, the main ones being the price and the time they require to warm up. Therefore, they are not ideal for average cars.
Disc Brakes vs. Drum Brakes
Disc brakes and drum brakes are two different braking mechanisms. Disc brakes use brake pads to create friction against a rotor to slow the vehicle. In contrast, drum brakes use brake shoes, which are half-moon shaped and press against the inside of a drum to create friction and slow the vehicle. Drum brakes used to be common on all four wheel positions, but on modern cars and light trucks, they’re typically installed only on the rear axle.
How Long Do Brake Pads Last?
There’s no simple answer to how long brake pads last. Most manufacturers state that their pads last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, but that can vary greatly. The effective lifespan of brake pads depends on many factors, including driving styles and weather conditions. Proper maintenance and a sensible driving style can significantly extend the longevity of brake pads, while neglect and aggressive driving may lead to deterioration at a much lower mileage.
Although we can’t pinpoint the longevity of brake pads, we can give you a list of the factors that might influence their lifespan. Many drivers reported their brake pads lasted more than 80,000 miles, which is impressive. It might seem challenging to achieve such extended use, but the truth is that those who follow a few simple rules and perform regular maintenance will get the same results. Therefore, consider the suggestions below if you want to get the most miles out of your brake pads.
Why Do Brake Pads Wear?
We already mentioned that brake pads are typically worn during regular use. However, some other factors might influence their longevity, too. Materials, driving conditions, vehicle type, and load are only some things that can shorten the lifespan of brake pads.
Frequent stopping at traffic lights and frequent braking at roundabouts and junctions in towns and inner cities can wear down brake pads more quickly, compared to longer journeys without continual stopping and starting.
Brake pads wear down faster when you drive in areas that require a lot of braking. Making many stops can cause more friction and heat for the brakes, influencing their lifespan.
Large and heavy vehicles have stronger brake pads than regular cars, which means they need more help when slowing and stopping. They also tend to carry heavy loads, so braking power has to be high enough to ensure safety on the road. Although stronger brake pads can handle the extra pressure and last as long as regular brakes, they also experience more abuse and might wear out quicker.
Brake pad materials significantly influence the overall lifespan of your vehicle’s braking system. Therefore, it’s crucial to pick the material that fits your area of living and driving habits. A warm climate has less impact on brake pads’ lifespan than winter. Other outside threats, such as road salt, grime, and slush, can damage the materials. Also, careful driving with gradual braking is better for the pads’ materials than frequent stopping and fast braking.
Semi-metallic brake pads are perfect for high temperatures but might wear out faster at low temperatures. On the other hand, ceramic pads are the strongest and ideal for all seasons and different driving habits, but not great for urban areas, as they take time to warm up.
Detecting Brake Pads Issues
You can follow several signs to determine when you need to replace your brake pads. Some are pretty obvious, and others might require a little more effort. Either way, these things are not to be overlooked, as brake pads ensure your safety on the road. To help you sense brake pad issues, we list potential signs of your braking system deteriorating.
Dash Light
These days, most vehicles have a convenient dash light that notifies the driver that the brake pads are wearing out. The warning light on the display board indicates that one (or more) of your brake pads needs to be replaced. However, not all vehicles have this indicator light, especially older models. Therefore, you might need to look for other signs of brake pad deterioration by listening to and inspecting your car regularly. Warning signs such as dashboard lights indicate potential issues with brake pads.
Loud Noise
A loud noise is one of the most common signs of brake pad issues. If you hear screeching or squealing when braking, your brake pads must be checked. A grinding noise usually indicates that the brake pads are completely worn out and need replacement as soon as possible. Worn brake pads can cause grinding noises.
Visual Check
You can always look at the brake pads and visually detect possible wear and tear. Some vehicle models let you see the outer brake pad through the wheel’s spokes. Here’s where you can determine whether the pad is thick enough and in good condition.
Driving Test
A vibrating or squishy brake pedal is another massive sign of brake pad deterioration. If you have to push the pedal far down to brake adequately, something is wrong. In this situation, it is wise to get the entire braking system checked. The brake fluid might sometimes cause the pedal to vibrate and feel spongy.
Additionally, if you feel pulled to one side while braking, you likely have issues with the braking system. When one of the brake pads wears out, it might create an imbalance in braking and cause dangerous pulls to one side. If the vehicle pulls to one side when braking, it could be a sign of worn brake pads.
Prolonging Brake Pads Lifespan
You can do a couple of things to prolong the lifespan of your brake pads. First and foremost, it’s about being aware of the traffic ahead. If you anticipate potential braking situations and push the brake pedal gradually, you’ll prevent the pressure on the system. Sudden braking significantly reduces the lifespan of the brake pads.
Maintaining brake discs can also help extend the lifespan of brake pads. Regular inspection and replacement of brake discs when necessary ensure that both components work efficiently and last longer.
Driving at high speeds might also make you use your brakes more. You’ll be more likely to brake heavily and quickly at high speeds, putting your brake pads under much pressure.
Another thing to consider is how much and how often you press the pedal. It’s not recommended to push on the brake pedal down a hill or rest your foot on it. Remember that the pedal activates your brakes every time you use it, which puts unnecessary pressure on the system.
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Lastly, try to lighten your vehicle’s load. The heavier the car, the more pressure it puts on the brake pads. Therefore, don’t pack unnecessary stuff; always remember to unload your cargo.
Installing New Brake Pads
Working on your vehicle’s braking system can be rather tricky. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when you change brake pads to ensure safety and optimal performance. If you’re mechanically inclined and have the tools for the job, you should be able to do it independently. You only need to follow some basic instructions that can be found online. However, if you’re unsure how to replace the brake pads or are worried about something going wrong, we recommend leaving it to the professionals. It won’t cost you much, and you’ll be much more relaxed knowing your vehicle is safe.