The maintenance of brakes should be a priority as it could be a question of life and death in some cases. It is beneficial if you regularly replace some of the parts of your car, and the brake pads are one of them. Let's look at some signs which would tell you that it's time that you need new brakes. Let's dive in!
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Warped rotors cause a pulsation or vibration through your brake pedal. When the rotors are too old or thin or even when your brake works irresponsibly, your car's rotors become warped. This is the time to replace the brakes.
If your car experiences a sudden jerk when you apply the brakes, it means that the rotors have worn out or your brake fluid needs to be changed. Either way, it means that you need to see your car mechanic.
If you hear metallic growling or grinding, your brake pads have completely worn out. At this point, replacing them is the best option, as the sound is most likely coming from the rotor rubbing against the metal plate. Subsequently, the rotors may scratch or even cause sticky brakes. You need to address this situation immediately.
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You can visually inspect your brakes. The inspection should be done between the wheels' spokes which are pressed against the rotor. Ensure that the pads are more than a quarter of an inch thick otherwise, get them inspected by a mechanic and replace them.
Glazed rotors can be caused by excessive braking, which causes the metal to heat up and burn. High-pitch noises or screeching from the brakes don't always indicate replacement. If you find blue or black marks around the rotors, you need to replace the brakes. You can warp the rotors if you apply brakes at high speeds. It's best to keep it on the low.
Brake fade is the result of intentionally braking for long distances without stopping. While sometimes it's necessary, doing so regularly will heat up the rotors and the brake pads. The ability to produce the required friction against one another reduces with time. This results in your car not stopping the way it should when you apply the brakes. In this case, a trip to the mechanic is due.
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The brake pads don't wear out simultaneously or even at the same rate. It might be that one side wears out quicker than the other, and if this happens, your car will steer towards that side when you apply brakes. When this happens, you must get your brakes checked.
