Brake pads play a vital role in your car’s braking system, as they generate the friction that slows and stops your car. These pads slowly wear out through use and will eventually need replacements. As your Englewood, NJ, Lexus service center, we can install new pads for you when that time comes. We’d like to tell you more about your pads and when they need replacement.
What Do the Pads Do?
The pads fit into the brake calipers. Calipers are positioned above each of your wheel rotors. When you hit the brakes, the brake fluid exerts hydraulic pressure on the calipers to close. The calipers are forced against the rotors, which generates friction that slows and stops your car.
The pads have a friction material covering that generates the necessary friction. Over time, this material gradually wears off as you use your brakes. When enough material has worn away, it’s time to change your pads.
How Long Do Pads Last?
On average, your pads should last for 40,000 to 50,000 miles before they need replacement. The pads also can be affected by other system problems that may shorten their life. Worn pads will increase the time it takes for your brakes to stop your car, and this could lead to an accident.
Here are some signs that your pads need to be changed:
Screeching Brakes
As we’ve seen, the friction material covering the pads slowly wears down over time. On a new pad, the material is 1/2″ thick. Once the material has worn down to 1/4″ thick, it’s time to change the pads. The pad manufacturers build a reminder into each pad. When the material reaches 1/4″ thick, a metal spike in the pad becomes visible.
The next time you apply the brakes, this spike will scratch the surface of the rotor and produce a loud screeching sound. The spike doesn’t damage the rotor, but it’s a high effectively reminder that your pads need to be changed.
Glazed Pads
Glazed pads are caused when the pads are kept in continual contact with the rotors for a prolonged period. This can happen if you’ve been riding your brakes or it could be a mechanical problem like a damaged caliper. In either case, the constant contact between the pad and the rotor will damage both of them.
The pads will develop a smooth, glass-like surface. This smooth surface doesn’t generate any friction, which makes your braking more difficult. The lack of friction slows your car’s response when you brake and places additional strain on other parts of the system.
When you need new brake pads, come into our service department at DARCARS Lexus of Englewood or schedule a service online. Our technicians will take care of your brakes so you can return to the road in no time!
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