Brake pads are one of the hardest-working components of your vehicle. Every time you slow down or stop, they create friction to bring your vehicle to a halt. However, over time, that friction wears them down. If you ignore the signs of wear, it can lead to costly repairs and dangerous driving conditions, but timely brake service in Calgary can prevent these issues and keep you safe on the road.
What are signs of worn brake pads? At My Calgary mechanic, we help drivers spot these issues early on so they can keep their vehicles safer and on the road for longer. We also provide professional brake pad services in Calgary. Let’s talk about the most common warning signs and what they mean.
Why Brake Pads Wear Out
Over time, brake pads wear down because they’re designed to absorb friction. On average, pads last 40,000–70,000 kilometres, but this range depends on a few factors. Your driving style, traffic conditions, and local climate all play a role.
Calgary’s stop-and-go traffic and harsh winters accelerate wear on your braking system, which is why regular inspections are so important. In addition to brake pad checks, My Calgary Mechanic also provides professional brake fluid services in Calgary to ensure your vehicle stops safely and performs reliably in all conditions.
Signs of Worn Brake Pads
Brake pads wear down naturally over time. With that said, some signs are more obvious than others. Let’s review the signs of worn brake pads:
Squealing or Squeaking Noises
If you hear a high-pitched squeal when braking, it’s an early sign that your brake pads are thinning. Where does it come from? The sound comes from a small metal shim designed to warn you it’s time for service.
Grinding Sounds
When the squealing turns into grinding, your brake pads might be completely worn down. It causes metal to press against metal. In turn, it can damage your rotors and lead to far more expensive repairs over time.
Vibrations or Pulsating Pedal
If your brake pedal vibrates or pulses when you press down on it, it could be one of two things. Your pads may be wearing unevenly or your rotors are damaged. Both issues require attention from a qualified mechanic.
Brake Warning Light
Modern vehicles have sensors that alert you when your brake pads are too thin. If your brake warning light comes on, book an inspection right away.
Vehicle Pulling to One Side
Uneven pad wear or a sticking caliper can cause your car to pull left or right while braking, affecting both safety and comfort.
Risks of Ignoring Worn Brake Pads
Brake service is an essential vehicle maintenance practice. When you delay brake service, you’ll deal with serious consequences:
- Rotor Damage: Grinding brake pads can slowly destroy your rotors over time. By ignoring the problem, you’re only turning a simple replacement into a major repair.
- Accident Risk: When your pads start to wear down, braking becomes much more difficult. With longer stopping distances comes a higher risk of collisions.
- System Strain: When your pads start to fail, the rest of your brake system has to work harder to compensate.
When your brakes start squealing, grinding or pulling your vehicle off to one side, consider booking an inspection with My Calgary Mechanic. It stops the problem from getting worse.
Ways to Stay Ahead of Brake Pad Wear
When you ignore your worn brake pads, you end up dealing with expensive brake repairs. Check out our preventative care tips:
- Schedule brake inspections every 20,000 km or once a yea.r
- Don’t ignore unusual noises or vibrations.
- Replace pads before they wear down to the metal.
Routine inspections are more affordable than replacing multiple components at once. It will give you peace of mind when driving on Calgary’s icy roads during the winter.
Replace Your Worn Out Brake Pads
Brake pads keep you safe on the road. When they start to wear out, there will be plenty of warning signs. From squealing and grinding to reduced performance or vibrations, you shouldn’t overlook these seemingly small problems. At My Calgary Mechanic, as the leading auto repair shop in Calgary, we understand the importance of regular inspections and timely pad replacement. We want you to stay safe on our city’s roads.
Are you having brake issues? Contact us to schedule a brake inspection to keep your vehicle safe, reliable and road-ready!
