6 Signs Your Chevy Needs a Brake Pad Replacement

 

Whenever you press the brake pedal, the calipers clamp the brake pads against the rotor discs, generating friction to stop your car. The friction layer of each brake pad (formed from an organic, ceramic, or semi-metallic compound of materials) slowly wears down over time. Once a pad is almost finished, you’ll notice the following signs that it’s time for a brake pad replacement at your local Chevy dealership.

 

How to Know Your Chevy Needs a Brake Pad Replacement

Brake Pad Indicator Light

These days, many modern Chevy cars have a handy brake pad indicator light, which appears on the instrument panel when a pad is almost worn through. It’s best not to ignore this warning light as a worn-out pad could soon begin to damage the rotor disc and lessen your vehicle’s stopping power. 

 

Visibly Worn-Out Pads

You can peer through the spokes of a wheel to visually inspect a brake pad. If the friction layer facing the rotor has worn down to a quarter of an inch or less in-depth, it’s probably time for a new pad. You might also notice a buildup of brake dust when a pad’s on its last legs.

 

Squeaking Brakes 

Brake pads are usually designed to emit a loud squeaking or screeching noise when they’re almost finished. This sound is created by a little metal tab uncovered in the friction layer. The noise is no cause for alarm; it just means you need to install a new pad soon.

 

Grinding Brakes

When the friction layer of a brake pad has worn away altogether, only the steel casing is left to scrape directly against the rotor. This generates an unpleasant grinding noise and should be resolved at once before the rotor becomes damaged.

 

Longer Stopping Distances

Worn-out pads can lose their ability to generate full friction when clamping against the rotors. If this occurs, you might experience weakened brakes, which is hazardous on the road. Overheating brake pads can sometimes melt, which also lessens the stopping force and necessitates new pads.

 

Pulling to One Side

Problems with a brake pad could reduce stopping power on just one side of your car. This would result in your vehicle tugging gently to the left or the right when you apply the brakes. 

 

Book Biannual Brake Inspections at Your Chevy Dealership

Brake pads can last anywhere from 25,000 to 65,000 miles, depending on driving habits and conditions. One way to know how rapidly your pads are wearing down is to have your brakes periodically inspected by a professional. Our technicians can make sure that all your brake components are in good shape and also tell you when you’re next likely to need new pads. 

A proactive approach is the safest way to maintain your brakes. Visit Alan Webb Chevrolet in Vancouver, WA, for routine inspections or as soon as you detect one of the aforementioned signs of worn-out brake pads. 

Tags: Brake Pad Replacement Service
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