How to Check Your Brake Pads & Know When It’s Time to Replace

Your brakes are one of the most critical safety components of your vehicle, and at the heart of a healthy braking system are your brake pads. These small but mighty parts create the friction needed to slow your car down and bring it to a safe stop. However, brake pads don’t last forever. Over time, they wear down, and failing to replace them in a timely manner can lead to longer stopping distances, increased repair costs, and even dangerous driving conditions.

Understanding when and how to check your brake pads can help you prevent accidents and costly repairs down the line.

How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

On average, brake pads last anywhere from 20,000 to 70,000 miles, but their longevity depends on several factors, including:

• Driving habits: If you frequently slam on the brakes or drive in stop-and-go traffic, your pads will wear out faster.
• Road conditions: Roads in Utah, like mountainous terrain, frequent hills, and rough roads, can speed up brake wear.
• Vehicle type: Larger and heavier vehicles tend to wear out brake pads more quickly.

To extend the life of your brake pads, practice smooth braking, avoid carrying unnecessary weight, and schedule regular brake inspections at Burt Brothers. Our experienced technicians will ensure your brake pads are in good condition and replace them when needed.

How Often to Replace Brake Pads Based on Driving Conditions

Your driving environment also has a big impact on how often you need to replace your brake pads. Here’s how different conditions affect them:

• City Driving: Frequent braking in stop-and-go traffic can cause your brake pads to wear out much faster, since you’re constantly applying pressure to the brakes.
• Highway Driving: On the other hand, if you do a lot of highway driving with fewer stops, your brake pads will typically last longer, since there’s less constant pressure on them.
• Towing & Heavy Loads: If you regularly tow heavy loads or carry extra weight, it puts more strain on your brakes, causing them to wear out faster.

How Often Do I Need to Check My Brake Pads?

There’s no universal rule for when to replace your brake pads since it depends on your driving habits, road conditions, and the type of pads your vehicle uses. However, a good rule of thumb is to check them every 10,000 to 15,000 miles and replace them when they become too thin. Staying on top of regular inspections can help prevent more expensive repairs down the road and, most importantly, keep you safe on the road!

Your brakes are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle, so it’s crucial to pay attention to any warning signs they give you. Some warning signs may include, squeaking or squealing noises, grinding sounds, vibrations in the brake pedal, and longer stopping distances.

Ignoring these warning signs won’t just lead to more expensive repairs—it could also compromise your safety.

Symptoms of Bad Brake Pads: Warning Signs to Watch For

Catching brake problems early can save you time and money. Keep an eye (and ear) out for these warning signs:

• Unusual noises: If you hear squealing, screeching, or grinding sounds when you brake, it’s a sign something isn’t right. Squealing often means your brake pads are wearing thin, while grinding could indicate they’re completely worn down—potentially damaging your rotors.
• Soft or spongy brake pedal: If your brake pedal feels unusually soft, spongy, or requires extra pressure to engage, it could be a sign that your brake pads are worn or that there’s an issue with your brake fluid or system.
• Vibrations in the brake pedal: A vibrating or pulsating brake pedal could be a sign of uneven wear on your brake pads or even warped rotors, which can affect your stopping power.
• Dashboard warning light: Many modern vehicles are equipped with a brake warning light that turns on when it’s time for service. If this light appears, don’t ignore it! It could indicate worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or another issue that needs attention.
• Pulling to one side: If your car pulls to one side when braking, it could indicate uneven brake pad wear.
• Longer stopping distances: If you find yourself needing more room to come to a complete stop, your brake pads may be too thin to function properly, putting you and others on the road at risk.

How to Check Brake Pads: A Step-by-Step Guide

Checking your brake pads at home is easier than you might think. Here’s how:

1. Locate the brake pads by looking through the openings in your wheel rims.
2. Check the thickness of the pads. If they’re less than 1/4 inch thick, it’s time for a replacement.
3. Look for wear indicators, such as deep grooves or metal wear bars showing through.
4. Use a flashlight for better visibility and ensure there’s no uneven wear, which could indicate alignment issues.

If you’re unsure about your brake pad condition, visit your nearest Burt Brothers location, and we’ll inspect them for you.

Conclusion: Keep Your Brakes in Top Shape for Safe Driving

Your safety is directly linked to the condition of your braking system. Knowing when and how to check your brake pads can help you avoid dangerous situations and costly repairs. If you notice squealing, grinding, vibrations, or longer stopping distances, don’t wait—schedule a brake inspection at Burt Brothers today.

With our expert service and high-quality parts, Burt Brothers ensures your vehicle stops smoothly and safely every time. Visit us for a professional brake check and keep your car road-ready, so you can drive with peace of mind!