Best Tips for Brake Pads Replacement on a Vehicles

You are driving on the highway at a speed of 100 Kmph and suddenly a dog darts in front of your car, what do you do? Obviously, you are going to apply the brakes to stop the car. Sounds easy, but is it that simple? Well, there is a lot more that goes into just stepping on the pedal to stop the vehicle. With this in view, you need to ensure that your brake pads are always in excellent condition. If you hear any squeaking and grinding sound from your vehicle, especially when you stomp on the brake pedal, do know that it’s time for brake pad replacement.

Signs that brake pads need to be replaced

- When you press on the brake pedal with your foot and the brake pedal starts pulsating or vibrating, you know for sure that your vehicle needs new brake pads. Brake pads get worn out over a period of time due to heat and they start pulsating. Be sure to take your vehicle to the mechanic who will re-machine your brake pads to solve the problem. If your brake pads are completely worn out and cannot be re-machined then you will have to replace your old brake pads with new ones.

- When you apply pressure on your brake pedal and it makes a clicking sound, it is definitely a sign that you need to replace your brake pads. Yes, manufacturers make sure that all vehicles are installed with a device that prevents the brake pads from clicking or rattling upon applying pressure on the brake pedal, but if it still makes the sound then you know for sure that the brake pads replacement.

- Apart from the clicking or rattling sound does your vehicle make a high-pitched screeching sound when you depress your brakes fully? What causes this sound? Well, when a small metal shim comes in contact with the brake rotor, this causes an unpleasant sound which is a definite indicator that your brake pads are worn out and you need to replace them.

- Do you hear a grinding or growling sound from your brakes when you apply pressure? Well, that’s a bad sign! The metal disc and the metal caliper are rubbing together; this is the sound of metal on metal. It means that not only are your brake pads completely worn out and need replacement but you also need to replace your rotors or get them fine-tuned by your trusted and qualified mechanic. Given these conditions, do look after your vehicle; do not let it reach a point where your brakes start to make a grinding or growling sound.

- Do you drive your own vehicle? If yes then you should know your vehicle well and should be able to do some minor repair work as and when required. There are some visual signs that indicate that your brake pads need replacement; for instance, when the brake pads are severely worn out then they are deep groove marks that are visible on the rotor and they look like the grooves on a gramophone record. If these grooves become deep then you will have to replace the rotor too. Therefore, you must try and do a thorough visual check-up of your brake pads so that they can be replaced in time.

- Is your vehicle pulling to one side of the road? This could mean that your brake pads need to be replaced. While applying brakes if your car is pulling to one side of the road even without turning the steering wheel then it is an indication that your brake pads are wearing out unevenly and brake pad replacement is essential.

Tools Required to Change the Brake Pads on your Own

Yes, it’s not that difficult! Maintenance work on your car costs money, so why not learn to do some of these small jobs yourself. It will definitely save you a lot of your hard earned money. Brake pad replacement is not tough; you can definitely do it yourself with the help of some tools. If you own a vehicle then you need to own a few tools that will come handy in times of need.

- You must keep the owner’s manual of your vehicle safely so that when you are trying to do some small repair work on your vehicle you will know where your vehicles jack points are, what is the weight of your vehicle, and what is the thickness of the rotor among other details.

- You need to buy a floor jack and a jack stand and keep it around so that when you need to replace your brake pads these tools come handy. The floor jack is used to raise the vehicle and the jack stand would help to keep the vehicle in the air for you to do all your repair work. It is advisable to buy a jack stand that can handle the weight of your vehicle easily.

- Always keep extra brake pads for your vehicle at home, so that if there is an emergency then you can change them without having to make a trip to the auto spare parts shop. Yes, a brake tool is important; this tool will adjust the brake caliper piston to the new brake pads that you are going to install on your vehicle. Once you have installed the new brake pads, you need to apply brake grease between the brake pads and the calipers. A socket wrench and a tire iron are some other handy tools that you need to keep in your garage to do all the small repair and maintenance on your vehicle. It is a one-time investment that will definitely save you a lot of money in the future.