To ensure a safe drive, your brakes need to be in top shape. That means replacing your brake pads when they show signs of wear. Fortunately, you can save money on new brake pads with AutoZone coupons.
Not sure if it’s time for new brake pads? Watch for these warning signs.
Table of Contents
Signs of Worn Brake Pads
You should replace your brake pads every 40,000 miles, but hard use may shorten their lifespan. Even if you theoretically have miles left, you should get new pads if you notice any of the following:
Vibrations from Brake Pads
The brake pad and rotor can each cause vibrations if they’re damaged or worn. You’ll feel it through the pedal when braking.
Burning Smell
A burning smell can mean several things, and none of them are good. If you notice the smell after hard braking, it’s probably your brakes. You should definitely get them checked, as this odor may be a precursor to brake failure.
Swerving When Braking
This sign can be frightening, as it impacts your control over your vehicle. If your car pulls to one side when braking, it may be due to your brake pad. However, there are other potential causes, so you should have your vehicle looked at before proceeding with the replacement.
Indicator Light
Some of the newest vehicles make it easy to see if you need a brake pad replacement with an indicator light. To see if your car has one, take a look at your owner’s manual.
Squishy Pedals
When you press on the brake, it should feel firm. If it feels “squishy” or “spongey,” there’s something wrong with your brake pads.
Squealing and Other Noises
One of the most noticeable warning signs is unexpected noises when you brake. While hard braking may make your tires squeal, you shouldn’t hear anything when you come to a normal stop. Problematic sounds include the following:
- Squealing
- Squeaking
- Grinding
Slow Response
Your brakes should respond quickly when you press on them, ensuring you can stop in time. If you notice a slow response, you need to replace the pads immediately.
How To Replace Your Brake Pads
You don’t have to go to a mechanic for brake pad replacement; you can do it yourself, right at home. Just follow these steps:
1. Remove Lug Nuts
Once your car is raised with a jack, remove the lug nuts. You’ll then be able to see the caliper assembly, which you must also remove.
3. Remove Brake Pads and Install New Ones
You should now have access to the brake pads. Remove the old ones and install the new parts.
5. Adjust Caliper Assembly
Once the new brake pads are in place, replace the caliper assembly. You should adjust it beforehand to ensure a secure fit.
6. Replace Tires
Now that everything is in place, it’s time to put the tire back on. Then, you can safely lower your vehicle. When you want to change into a new set of wheels, it is very important to have the proper wheel offset to ensure that it has enough clearance and avoid any miscalculation that can impair safety in your drive and cause problems like hampered braking or decreased vehicular stability. Once you’re done, take your car for a test drive to ensure everything is working correctly.
Keeping up with your car’s maintenance isn’t cheap. Fortunately, you can mitigate the brake pad and rotor replacement cost by shopping at your local auto parts store and using coupons.