Seven Key Signs Your Vehicle Needs New Brakes Pads

Few things are as dangerous as brakes that fail. And there’s no proper location or situation for brakes not to function properly. Therefore, brakes are an essential safety feature on your vehicle.
Having your brakes checked regularly is one of the many things you can do to keep your car in good shape to avoid collisions. Moreover, checking your brakes can help you prevent more expensive auto repairs in the long run while keeping you and your family safe when you are behind the wheel.
Whether you are driving in icy conditions or on the highway, the last thing you need is to be caught unprepared with car brakes which are not functioning. But how do you know it is time to replace your brakes? Here are seven key signs that your vehicle may need new brakes.

1. Temperamental Brake Pedal
Brake pedals can be sensitive as the pads wear out. A temperamental pedal usually takes one of two primary forms. A mushy pedal which requires you to push to the floor before it engages the brakes of the car and slow it down or a sticky pedal which grabs the brakes instantly even at the slightest touch. Anytime you have to push the pedal to the floor can be the frightening experience and hazardous. You should consider this a warning, and it’s time to take your car to the brake repair shops and have it brakes checked.

2. Thin Brake Pads
You don’t need to be an auto specialist to determine if the brake pads of your car are worn. There are a few signs which you as the owner can check, and you should replace your brakes.
One way to check the pads is to look. The external brake pad is visible as a material pressed against the rotor. If you can see less than a quarter inch of the brake pad, then they’re thin and should be replaced.
If you’re in doubt, you can run your finger along brake pad. If it feels small than bring it into Canadian Super Shop

3. Pulsating Brake Pedal
Another clear sign that your car needs new brakes is when the pedal pulsates under your foot. Pulsating brakes are a vibration or constant grabbing between the brake pad and the rotor caused by excessive heat which has warped the brakes or rotors.

4. Screeching Sound
Before your brake pads fail completely, you’re likely to hear an awful, blood curdling screeching noise. This sound will make individuals in a parking lot turn their heads and look. This racket is like nails on a chalkboard is produced by a tiny metal shim which acts as an indicator to alert motorists that they should replace their brake pads.

5. Loud Grinding Noise
There is a natural progression regarding noises you hear when the brake pads are wearing. First is a rattling or clicking. Next, you are likely to hear loud grinding noise.
It may sound like the growl from an injured animal as well. In case you hear this growling or grinding when you press your brake pedal, it shows that the brake pads are not only worn, but they should be replaced.
The growling or grinding sound is as a result of the metal caliper and metal disc rubbing each other. It only occurs when a brake pad is entirely worn out. And the more you drive with the caliper and disc grinding on each other, the more harm you’ll do to the whole brake system.
Once you hear a grinding sound, it means you have to replace brake pads and the rotors as well. Or at least get them turned in a certified brake repair shop. Therefore, you should replace the brake pads before you hear the growling or grinding sound.

6. Rattling or Clicking Noise
If you hear any rattling or clicking noise underneath your vehicle, then that is a quick warning sign that your brakes may not be in good shape. Usually, this occurs when pressure is applied to the brakes of your car.
Nowadays, all car manufacturers install a device which prevents the brake pads from rattling when your brakes are depressed. That is until the brake pads begin to wear out. When you hear a rattling or clicking noise when applying the brakes, it’s meant to alert you that your car needs new brake pads.

7. The Car is Pulling to One Side
One of the common warning signs that your brake pads are wearing out and may require replacement is that your vehicle will start pulling to the right or left while you are driving. The quickest way to determine if the brake pads are damaged, just press the brake pedal without turning a steering wheel.
Remember, the car could be pulling to one side for some reasons other than the faulty brakes. So, it’s highly recommended you take a car to the nearest brake repair shop. If the vehicle veers to the one side, then the brake pads are wearing out unequally and should be replaced.