The longevity of brake pads varies from driver to driver; some pads wear out after 30,000 miles while others last up to 70,000. The more time you spend in traffic or using a brake-heavy driving style, the sooner you’ll need new pads. You’re likely to notice one of the following signs that it’s time for brake pad replacement. And with regular inspections, a trusted technician at your local Chrysler dealership can keep you abreast of the condition of each pad.
5 Signs Your Chrysler Needs a Brake Pad Replacement
Squealing When You Brake
Modern brake pads are designed to generate high-pitched squealing noises when they’re almost finished. This squealing is created by a metal tab scraping harmlessly against the rotor. If you hear it, have your brakes inspected at once. At least one of your pads probably needs to be replaced.
Metallic Grinding Sounds
A heavier grinding noise might indicate that one of your brake pads has worn down excessively. Here, the pad’s bare casing is now directly in contact with the rotor disc. This means the friction layer has gone altogether, which will reduce your car’s stopping power and damage the rotor. If you hear grinding when braking, don’t hesitate to have it fixed.
Weakening Brake Force
Any reduction in brake force means you have a potentially hazardous issue to deal with. A brake fluid leak might weaken your brakes in this way. Otherwise, a worn-out or overheating brake pad could be to blame.
Overheating sometimes occurs when the brakes are used continuously without sufficient pauses to cool down. The resulting extreme heat can sometimes cause brake pads to melt, losing friction against the rotor. Whatever the cause, lessened stopping power should always prompt a professional inspection.
Veering to One Side
If the brake pad at just one wheel is worn-out or faulty, you may lose stopping power on that side of the car alone. This would cause the car to pull to the opposite side when you brake.
Visibly Worn-Down Pad
You can visually inspect your brake pads by peering through the wheel’s spokes. If the friction layer of a pad looks under a quarter of an inch thick, you may need to have it replaced.
Visit Your Chrysler Dealership for Regular Brake Inspections
It’s generally recommended to have brakes inspected twice a year, and more frequently if you use your brakes excessively. While removing and examining each pad, we can estimate how much longer it will last. That way, you’re less likely to be surprised on the road by a suddenly failing pad.
Visit Bolton Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Council Grove, KS, today to have your brakes inspected by experienced technicians. Whatever your automotive needs, we aim to deliver the best car shopping and servicing experience possible.
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