Your Guide to Brake Pad Replacement
How brake pads work, why they’re important, how long they last, when they need replacing, difficulty of doing so, huge range of brake pads at Auto Parts Supply!
If your vehicle has disc brakes (as opposed to drum brakes), then it will use brake pads. These are a pair of steel plates with a side of special friction material. In basic terms, the way this sort of brakes work is by pressing the pads onto the spinning disc. Some of the friction material is transferred across in the process due to heat. The presence of this material on both brake pad and disc causes a sticking together that slows and eventually stops the vehicle.
At the risk of stating the obvious, brake pads are one of the most important limited-lifespan parts of your vehicle as they are the key element of the braking system that keeps you and those around you safe on the road. For that reason, we here at Auto Parts Supply have put together this little guide that will hopefully answer any questions you have about brake pad replacement. If you have others, you can find our contact details at the end.
How Long Do Brake Pads Last?
Brake pads will generally last somewhere from 20,000 to 70,000 kilometres travelled. Why such a wide range? Well, their lifespan very much depends on the driving conditions (e.g. city traffic versus country traffic) and the way the vehicle is driven (i.e. how fast you go and how gently you brake). Brake pads can also wear down more quickly when there is an issue elsewhere in the braking system causing the pads to not be applied to the disc in the optimum manner. However, if you have your vehicle serviced by a qualified mechanic, they will identify and fix such problems. Front brake pads will also tend to wear faster than rear ones as they are doing more work when it comes to stopping.
How Can You Tell Worn-Out Brake Pads?
Some vehicles will let you know via an indicator light. Another sure sign is that it is taking longer to slow and stop when you apply the brakes. Accompanying the braking there may be an unusual squealing sound, grinding sound or even a vibration you can feel through the pedal. The final way of telling whether your brake pads need replacing is by making a visual inspection and noting they are getting too thin and/or the attached wear indicator is almost worn away. (If you do this regularly, the difference in the brake pads over time will be readily apparent.)
Is It Hard Replacing Brake Pads?
As far as vehicle maintenance goes, replacing brake pads isn’t the most difficult job. However, if you’ve never done it before, it may take you a few hours. Those lacking the necessary skills and experience in this area are better off having the replacement carried out by a qualified mechanic. Along with the convenience of leaving the task to an expert, they’ll ensure the overall braking system is functioning correctly and the repair will be covered by a warranty.
Where Can I Get Replacement Brake Pads?
At Auto Parts Supply in Southport, we stock front and rear brake pads for a huge range of makes and models – all at competitive prices. And if you don’t see brake pads for your vehicle currently listed on our online store, feel free to check with us as we may still be able to get them. You can phone us on (07) 5503 0169 or send an enquiry via the form on our website.
