Because brakes are hidden under the car and behind the wheels, many drivers don’t give them too much thought until all of a sudden they realize they are having trouble stopping on that proverbial dime! They may then realize that they have neglected taking care of one of the most crucial systems of their vehicle, the brakes!
Pay attention to the signs below telling you when brake pads need to be replaced:
- How far your vehicle travels before it comes to a complete stop.
- Your car pulls to one side or the other.
- The brake pedal pulsates as you step on it.
- The steering wheel vibrates.
- You hear squealing, screeching, or grinding sounds.
- You smell hot metal.
The problems listed above can be caused by one or more brake issues, such as a stuck caliper, the brake rotors have become warped and need to be smoothed out (also called “machined”), the brake pads have worn down too thin, the brake components are of poor quality, there is metal-on-metal contact between the brake rotors and the pads, or brake fluid is leaking onto hot metal.
A word of advice: Neglecting the condition of your brakes can lead to a costly brake repair, while also compromising the safety of your vehicle. Don’t wait until you’re the cause of an accident before checking out the condition of your brakes and replacing brake rotors and pads as needed.
Need to know more about how to know when brake pads need to be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about replacing brake rotors, pads, and calipers, and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
Because brakes are hidden under the car and behind the wheels, many drivers don’t give them too much thought until all of a sudden they realize they are having trouble stopping on that proverbial dime! They may then realize that they have neglected taking care of one of the most crucial systems of their vehicle, the brakes!
Pay attention to the signs below telling you when brake pads need to be replaced:
- How far your vehicle travels before it comes to a complete stop.
- Your car pulls to one side or the other.
- The brake pedal pulsates as you step on it.
- The steering wheel vibrates.
- You hear squealing, screeching, or grinding sounds.
- You smell hot metal.
The problems listed above can be caused by one or more brake issues, such as a stuck caliper, the brake rotors have become warped and need to be smoothed out (also called “machined”), the brake pads have worn down too thin, the brake components are of poor quality, there is metal-on-metal contact between the brake rotors and the pads, or brake fluid is leaking onto hot metal.
A word of advice: Neglecting the condition of your brakes can lead to a costly brake repair, while also compromising the safety of your vehicle. Don’t wait until you’re the cause of an accident before checking out the condition of your brakes and replacing brake rotors and pads as needed.
Need to know more about how to know when brake pads need to be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about replacing brake rotors, pads, and calipers, and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
