It all starts with a sound. You are driving like normal, following your daily routine. But then, when you go to stop your car, you hear a weird sound. A grinding sound. For those unaware, this is the first sign that you need a brake pad replacement.
Just recently, we replaced brake pads that were down to nothing! Due to this, we want to ensure that people understand the importance of brake pads and why you cannot neglect them.
We did an entire series about brakes last year, focusing on their history, systems, and the cost of replacing them. Brake pads play an integral part in a braking system. These pads are designed to slow down and stop your car. This is done by applying friction against the rotors (or brake discs), creating a force to oppose the motion of the wheels. However, this friction generates heat which causes the breakdown of the pads. While the brake pads are made with materials that can handle the friction and heat, your brake pads will fail eventually.
As mentioned above, one of the first signs that you need a replacement is a grinding sound. Brake pads are designed with metal tabs that will grind against the rotors when the pads are worn down. This creates a high-pitch grinding sound to alert the driver. Normally, this is enough to get people to bring their cars in. However, there are other signs.
Most drivers will begin feeling the brake pedal vibrate as the metal continues to grind against the rotor. They will also notice that their stopping distance is increasing as the brake pedal becomes sponge-like. The increased stopping distance is due to the worn brake pads not creating enough friction. If the brake pads are uneven, you can feel your car pulling to one side over the other during a stop.
So, what happens if you ignore the signs? Well, one of our customers told us a story from when they were a new driver. Due to their inexperience, they did not know their brake pads were failing until it was too late. When they were trying to stop at a light, the brake pads exploded, damaging multiple parts of their car. They barely escaped crashing into other drivers by quickly applying their emergency brakes. While their car survived, the customer spent more money replacing multiple parts in their car.
Let’s make it clear. Ignoring failing brake pads is very dangerous. In addition to putting yourself in danger, you are risking the lives of your passengers and other drivers.
If you are experiencing braking problems, visit Mr. Muffler to get your brake pads checked and replaced!
Are you hearing a noise when you brake? If you feel vibrating, grinding or pulsing when you press the brake pedal, these may be signs you need a Brake Inspection.
Get your brakes inspected by Mr-Muffler’s highly trained and experienced technicians. When doing an inspection Mr-Muffler will check all brake components;
When inspecting your brake pads, Mr-Muffler will measure and make sure each brake pad applies pressure against the disc or rotor. We will recommend replacement depending on the results of a complete inspection of your brakes, using your vehicles manufacturer’s requirements and actual measurements.
It is imperative that your discs or rotors are not damaged or warped. They are what slows down and stops your vehicle. When you press the brake pedal, the mechanism makes sure your brake pads are pushed onto the discs.
Mr-Muffler will examine your brake lines making sure they are not cracked, corroded and stiff. The lines are rubber and should be soft so fluid can move freely without risk of a leak. The hard metal brake lines are checked for cracking and corrosion. You want to make sure your lines are in good condition. If the brake lines are replaced before they are in major damage condition, it can save your brake system’s key components and you a lot of money.
After your inspection is complete and your brake system is in need of some repair services, Mr. Muffler’s technicians will replace your brake pads, lines and anything else that is necessary for your vehicle’s safe braking.
After the skilled mechanics at Mr. Muffler in Westland Michigan complete your Brake Inspection, we will go over our evaluation with you in detail. We will recommend brake repair based on the condition of your brake components, only if they appear to be in need of any that will impact your vehicle’s performance and affect keeping you safe on the road. Trust Mr-Muffler your local brake repair shop, call us at 734-721-2800 and contact us for more information.