Getting The FAQ Straight: Top-3 Customer Questions About Brake Pads

Today’s post answers the top-3 customer questions about brake pads, according to Google’s People Also Asked tool. Read on or contact your local TIRECRAFT to speak directly with a brake pad specialist near you.

How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

The lifespan of your brake pads depends on several factors, including the make, maintenance/upkeep, and your own driving habits. Having said that, Bridgestone researchers recently estimated the lifespan of the average brake pad at 30,000-35,000 miles, or 48,000-56,000km.

If you’d like to prioritize brake pad longevity, your TIRECRAFT dealer can create a shortlist of recommendations based on this criteria.

Why Do Some Brake Pads Cost More Than Others?

Not all brake pads are created equal. The main differences come down to:

• Quality control during manufacturing (e.g. pulling random samples from the production line to complete destructive testing), which costs makers more
• Special designs for specific vehicles, which costs makers more

To find the best brake pads for your vehicle, without breaking the bank, contact your local TIRECRAFT.

How Can I Tell That I Need New Brake Pads?

Look out for these 6 warning signs:

1.You fight with temperamental brakes— Is your brake pad feeling mushy or unresponsive? Do you need to practically put the pedal to the metal before your brakes engage? Or is the pedal sticky, grabbing the brakes at even the slightest touch? All of these symptoms indicate it’s time to have your brakes checked.

2. You spot thin brake pads— Are your brake pads looking a little lean? The external brake pad can be found right up against the rotor. If you see less than a quarter inch of padding, it’s time to book a replacement service.

3. You feel your brake pedal pulsing— Do you feel your brake pad writhing and pulsing underfoot? If so, you may be dealing with constant grabbing between the brake pad and rotor, which is usually caused by warping due to excessive heat. Time to book a brake pad replacement service—click here contact your local TIRECRAFT.

4. You hear screeching sounds— You’ll never forget the sounds brake pads make when they’re about to fail—it’s the kind of nails-on-a-chalkboard screech that is hard to listen to and impossible to ignore. And that’s by design; the screeching sound is caused by a tiny metal shim installed by manufacturers to alert drivers about impending brake pad failure. If your brakes are screeching, you need to get to your local TIRECRAFT ASAP.

5. You hear loud grinding noises— Is your car making a loud grinding or growling sound every time you hit the brakes? It’s likely the result of the metal caliper and disc rubbing against each other, which only happens when the brake pad is completely shot. If that’s the case for you, get in touch with a brake pad specialist right away—your vehicle is no longer safe to drive.

6. You haven’t booked a brake pad service in a while—We recommend booking a brake inspection every 20,000km or 12 months of driving—whatever comes first!

For more help diagnosing strange car sounds and assessing the condition of your brake pads, get in touch with your local TIRECRAFT expert.

Find The Best Brake Pad Deals And Service At Your Local TIRECRAFT

Use the Find a TIRECRAFT tool to book a 100% free consultation and get a free quote on your brake pad maintenance or replacement today.

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