The warning signs
- A high-pitched squeal when braking. Many pads have a small metal tab that squeals when the pad is thin.
- A grinding or scraping noise. This often means the pad material is gone and metal is touching metal.
- A longer stopping distance than you are used to.
- A pulsing brake pedal or steering wheel vibration, which can point to worn or warped rotors.
- The car pulling to one side when you brake.
- A brake warning light on the dashboard.
- Thin pads. Many mechanics suggest replacement when the pad is down to around a quarter inch of material.
Why you should not wait
Worn pads can damage the rotors, and replacing pads and rotors costs more than pads alone. More importantly, worn brakes take longer to stop the car.
What to do
If you hear grinding or the pedal feels wrong, stop driving the car and get it checked. TireDoc can replace brake pads at your location, so you do not have to drive on worn brakes to get to a shop. See brake pad replacement, rotors and brake calipers.
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