What Do Brake Pads Do?
When you hit your brakes, it sets off a chain reaction that ends with your brake pads being pressed against the sides of your rotors. This is what grinds your vehicle to a halt, but your brake pads aren’t going to be able to do this forever. Since a lot of friction is created by this process, they’re going to wear away over time until there’s nothing left. This can affect your ability to brake, and if this goes on long enough, it can even affect the health of your rotors. If you haven’t checked on your brake pads recently, then it might be time to have them inspected by a professional. If you live near Metairie, Harvey, or Kenner, then you can schedule your appointment with our team at Premier Volkswagen of Harvey today.
How Do I Know If My Brake Pads Are The Problem?
When your handling suddenly changes, it’s easy to blame everything from the tires to the engine. If you’re not sure whether or not your brake pads are the issue, then there are a few easy ways to tell. The first thing you’ll notice about worn brake pads is the fact that they’re loud. When your brake pads start to run out of material, it exposes a squealer tab. This is your first warning that something is wrong. If the material continues to wear down, eventually you’ll hear a grinding noise from your rotors. You might also notice that your pedal pulses when you press down on it, or that your car is pulling to one side. Worn brake pads can also make it harder to stop, so it may take longer for your car to come to a complete halt.
How Long Will My New Brake Pads Last?
Your brake pads deteriorate due to friction, so their longevity is going to heavily depend on how you drive. If you constantly slam your brakes, then this could cause the material to wear away at a faster rate. Generally though, you can expect brake pads to last somewhere between 20,000 and 40,000 miles, so you shouldn’t have to worry about replacing your brake pads for a long, long time. Once you have new brake pads, this should also get rid of the squeaking sound that you hear every time you hit the brakes. This can be annoying, especially when you’re in stop-and-go traffic. While you’re at the dealership, we can also take care of any other services that you need to get out of the way. If you have old oil in your engine, or tires that need to be rotated, balanced, and aligned, then our team can help you today.
