As a car owner, you are responsible for taking care of your vehicle so that it runs in tip-top shape. This includes getting oil changes every 3,000 miles as well as checking the tires and changing the filters. However, one very important thing that you should also check is your brake system. Normal wear-and-tear on the brakes requires you to replace them every so often, so you should be aware of the signs that tell you when to change your brakes.

Indications of brake trouble

Vehicles utilize two braking systems: drum and disc. Our focus is on disc pad replacement: how to recognize the warning signs, determine the cause, and respond to the need. Here are some pointers:

• Abnormal noise: grinding, squelching, or bumping sounds indicate trouble. Listen also for the high squeal of a low pad warning mechanism.
• Visual: metal shaving, excessive brake dust, or a sudden decrease in brake dust can all indicate a major pad issue.
• Physical feedback: a low pedal, a spongy pedal, a too hard pedal, a pulling or grabbing effect (either in the pedal or the steering wheel), or a vibration and back pumping pedal effect are all possible signs of impending brake failure.
• ABS light: this light is most often related to the brake hydraulics. It can indicate anything from low brake fluid to a bad master cylinder.

When should you get them changed?

When there are clear indications that something in the brake pad system is out of order, try peering through the slots in the outside wheel/rim assembly (you may have to remove the wheel). The rotor is sandwiched between the inner and the outer pads. A metal-on-metal condition demands immediate attention. Otherwise, there may be a bit of time, yet anything less than 1/4 inch of remaining pad surface should be addressed as quickly as possible. 

What does it cost you?

Really, the sooner you address a problem, the cheaper it is going to be. As time goes on, more things can get damaged and more extensive work could be needed. Because of this, the total cost can range from a couple hundred dollars to well over a thousand. Make sure you get professionals for this task. Unless you have the right tools, in addition to extensive and thorough mechanical knowledge, this work is not something that should be done by anyone but a certified and qualified mechanic.

Don’t take chances with your life or the lives of those who travel in your car – pay attention to the warning signs and get the brakes fixed immediately.