Brake pads: why you need to keep an eye on them

The car's braking system is, without exaggeration, a guarantee of safety on the road. And one of the key, and at the same time, the most worn elements of it is the brake pads. They create friction on the brake disc or drum, slowing down and stopping the car. Braking performance directly depends on their condition.It seems that this is obvious, but many drivers remember about the pads only when something goes wrong: there is a creak, a screech, or, worse, the brakes become "wobbly". But regular checking and timely replacement of pads is not a whim of the car service, but an urgent necessity. Ignoring this detail can lead to unfortunate consequences.How do you know that the pads are coming to an end? How do you know that it's time to change the pads without waiting for trouble? There are several signs that you should pay attention to. The most obvious is the specific sound when braking. A high–frequency squeak or squeal is often produced by the so-called "wear indicator" - a small metal plate on the shoe that begins to rub against the disc when the friction material comes to an end. But the grinding is worse, it can mean that the entire friction layer has worn off and the metal base of the shoe scratches the disc.Other signals that cannot be ignored:- Increased braking distance. The car needs more time and distance to stop.- "Soft" brake pedal. The pedal sinks deeper than usual.- Vibration or beating of the brake pedal. It may indicate uneven wear on the pads or problems with the discs.- Warning light on the dashboard. Many modern cars have pad wear sensors.- Visual inspection. If it is possible to look at the shoe (sometimes it is visible through the wheel), you can estimate the thickness of the remaining friction layer. A thickness of less than 2-3 mm is considered critical.If you notice any of these signs, it is better not to postpone the visit to the service.Why it's dangerous to delay a replacement and driving on worn–out pads is playing with fire. Firstly, braking performance is drastically reduced, especially in an emergency situation. The braking distance increases, which can cause an accident. Secondly, the pads worn "to the metal" begin to spoil the brake discs or drums.As a result, instead of a relatively inexpensive replacement of pads, you will also have to fork out for replacement discs, which is much more expensive. Thirdly, extreme wear can lead to damage to other elements of the braking system, such as the calipers. So the savings on timely replacement of pads are imaginary.How often to change and which options There is no universal answer to the question "how often to change pads?" Their service life depends on many factors: driving style (aggressive start-stop wears them out faster), operating conditions (urban driving with frequent braking against the highway), the type of pads themselves (soft ones wear out faster, but take care of the disc, hard ones – on the contrary) and, of course, the quality of workmanship.On average, the front pads (which take on a heavy load) last from 30 to 50 thousand kilometers, the rear ones last longer, sometimes 1.5–2 times. But these are very average numbers. It is best to follow the recommendations of the car manufacturer and regularly check their condition, for example, with each seasonal tire change. When choosing new pads, it is better to give preference to original spare parts or high-quality analogues of well-known brands. Cheap unnamed pads can not only wear out quickly, but also slow down badly.Not a small thing, but safety Brake pads are a consumable, but you can not save on it. Their condition affects not only the safety of the car, but also the life and health of the driver, passengers and other road users.Regular checking, attention to the car's "signals" and timely replacement are simple rules that help you feel confident on the road. Do not neglect them. After all, good brakes mean peace of mind behind the wheel. Mobile users prefer seamless access to promotions without losing value. In app-focused reviews, free bet promo code 1xbet is commonly positioned in the center of text explaining a welcome bonus up to $130 for sports betting. The offer is strengthened by a casino package worth $1950 and 150 free spins, making mobile betting and casino play equally rewarding.