Signs You Need To Replace Your Brake Pads

Your car's brakes are one of the most important parts of the vehicle because improperly functioning brakes can make it much harder for you to control the speed of your vehicle, greatly increasing the chances of an accident. Thankfully, there are a number of warning signs that you can spot early so that you can have your brake pads replaced before they pose a significant threat to your safety.

Vibrating Brake Pedal

If you notice that the brake pedal is vibrating or pulsing when you press down on it, your brake pads may be in poor condition. The vibration and shaking occurs because the pads have been worn out of shape or too thin, and thus don't make proper contact with the rotors within your brakes. This means that your brakes won't slow your car down as effectively or quickly as they should.

Loud Noises

If your brakes emit any sort of loud noises, such as a squeal or grinding sound, when the brakes are applied, your brake pads are nearing the end of their lifespan. These sorts of sounds can be caused by the wearing away of the brake pad, allowing the metal of the brake caliper to rub up against the metal disc within your brakes. You should have your brake pads looked at immediately by a mechanic to ensure that the brakes themselves have not become damaged by this rubbing.

Swerving

If your car is pulling to one side or swerving slightly when the brakes are applied, your brake pads may be wearing down at different rates, causing one side of your car to slow down more than the other. However, you should go see a mechanic before having the pads replaced: occasionally, the problem can be attributed to another issue, such as uneven tire inflation, instead of brake issues.

Brake Dust

If you suspect that your brakes may be wearing down or having problems, you can check the rims of your tires for brake dust. It's a black dust that will stick to the metal of the wheels. A small amount is to be expected with normal brake usage, but if you notice a sudden increase or a significant amount of your rims are covered by black dust, your brake pads are wearing down excessively and most likely need to be replaced. Head to a mechanic as soon as possible to avoid other complications from arising. 

For auto repair, contact a company such as Alignment Center.