Most cars have disc brakes on both the front and back wheels. A disc brake presses a brake pad against the sides of the rotor. The pads are necessary so that your brakes can grip a surface and cause your car to slow down. However, they can wear down over time. You will need to know the warning signs that your brake pads are wearing out so you'll know when they need to be replaced.

Worn Out Brake Pads are Very Loud

Some brake pads are able to last much longer than others. But all brake pads will eventually wear out and will then need to be replaced. If your brakes start squealing, this is because they have squealer tabs that are meant to make this sound when the brake pads are low. You might also hear grinding noises when you press down on the brakes.

Other Signs That You Need to Replace Your Brake Pads

By physically inspecting your brakes, you might discover grooves in the rotors. These are warning signs that your brakes have worn out. Your dashboard might also display a helpful wear indicator that will tell you that your brake pads need to be replaced.

A Brake Repair Shop Can Replace Brake Pads Quickly

Replacing brake pads is a simple and routine procedure. If you head to an auto service, they'll replace your brakes for you. They might also recommend more expensive brakes that will last much longer. Spending extra money on more durable brakes will save you money in the long run. Even the most high-end brake pads are relatively inexpensive even when you take the cost of labor into account.

The Consequences of Not Replacing Brake Pads

If you don't replace worn-out brake pads, you'll eventually cause damage to your brake calipers and rotors. From there, other elements of your braking system will also become damaged. 

Your brakes might be worn on only one side and this might cause your vehicle to be pulled to the other side. It might take longer than you expect to come to a stop. It's not safe to drive on brakes like this at all because you won't be able to stop your car in time to avoid accidents.

Your tires can also be damaged if your brake pads have worn out too much. This is because you will be slamming down on your brakes more often and hard braking is very bad for your tires. It's best to have your brake pads replaced as soon as possible.

To have your brakes and brake pads inspected, contact a professional auto brake repair service in your area.