Brake Pad Replacement: 5 Warning Signs to Look Out For!

If you’ve noticed that your stopping distance is getting longer every few days, it may be time for brake pads replacement. However, that’s not the only sign of worn-out brake pads. You also hear squeaky sounds and slight vibration when you apply the brakes. These are often the warning signs that you need brake pad replacement.

However, before discussing these warning signs, let’s see:

Why Brake Pads Matter in the First Place?

Brake pads are far more than just a maintenance checklist item. They play a critical role in your vehicle’s safety by creating the friction needed to slow or stop your car. Without functioning brake pads, your stopping power diminishes, putting you at risk of accidents.

Here’s how it works.

When you press the brake pedal, you activate the cylinder that pushes brake fluid into the callipers. These callipers push the brake pad towards the rotor. This contact creates pressure and friction to stop the vehicle.

If you ignore worn brake pads, you risk much more than just a noisy ride. Diminished braking efficiency can make it harder to avoid sudden hazards and raise the risk of accidents, especially in emergencies or on slippery roads.

Beyond safety, neglecting brake pad replacement can lead to costly damage. Excessive wear puts stress on rotors, callipers, and even the suspension, potentially resulting in expensive repairs down the line.

In severe cases, worn pads may cause brake fluid leaks or even total brake failure, putting everyone on the road in danger. In the UK, the timely replacement of brake pads not only ensures safety but also helps avoid MOT failure.

Simply put, healthy brake pads are essential not only for your vehicle’s performance but also for your peace of mind every time you drive.

Therefore, you need to watch out for brake pad replacement signs. Let’s explore some:

5 Major Signs You Need Brake Pad Replacement

You’re not going to park your car for the night and have failed brake pads the next morning. It’s a gradual process. And there are signs that’ll indicate a failing brake pad.

We recommend being vigilant about these signs for your safety and legal compliance.

1. Squeaking or Squealing When Braking

When you press the brake at low speeds or when stuck in traffic, do you hear a high-pitched, annoying squeak?

This squeak is your car telling you that the brake pads are wearing out. Actually, most brake pads have small metal wear indicators on them. When the pads thin out, the metal is exposed and comes in contact with the brake disc. This contact creates that squealing sound.

It is an early warning system that’s, quite frankly, hard to miss. You should note that dirt or rain can also make the brake pads squeal. So, when you hear this sound, clean the brake pads. If the sound goes away after that, you may not need to replace them.

But if the squeaking is consistent, it’s an early sign that you need brake pad replacement.

2. Grinding or Scraping Sounds When Braking

If you ignore the squealing noise and keep driving, you’ll eventually hear a metal-on-metal sound. It feels like something’s dragging under the car. This isn’t good at all. A grinding sound indicates that the brake pads are completely worn out.

You see, there was some brake pad material when it was squealing. Now that’s gone, and the metal plate is pressed directly into the brake disc. If you keep driving even after the awful grinding sound, you’re damaging your brake discs.

Replacing brake discs is even more expensive than replacing the brake pads. So, try to address the issue before you reach the grinding sound. Or you may end up replacing both the brake pads and discs.

3. Vibration or Judder Through the Pedal

Do you feel something shaking when you brake? That vague vibration you’re feeling through your pedal, or even the steering wheel, is a sign of brake pad wear.

If it has just started, it most likely indicates an uneven brake pad. However, if you’ve been experiencing it for some time, it may point to a warped brake disc.

So, whatever the situation, you should get the brakes checked by a professional. They can tell if the brake pad needs replacement or if the discs need to be changed.

In case the replacement cost outweighs the car’s value, we recommend selling it through Exchange My Car. Compare multiple instant offers from specialist buyers. We buy any car with free collection from your doorstep and for fast payment.

4. Longer Stopping Distance

It’s a no-brainer. If you’re hitting the brakes and they are not stopping your car immediately, there’s something wrong with the brake system. More likely than not, the issue is with the brake pads. Either they are too thin or they are not the right ones for your car.

As we mentioned earlier, brake pads create friction, which stops the car. When the pads are too thin, they cannot grip the disc and thus cannot produce enough friction to stop the car.

Don’t ignore it as it not only poses safety issues but could make it hard for you to sell the car. Get a brake pad replacement if that’s what the professional recommends.

5. Brake Warning Light on the Dashboard

You’re stuck in traffic where you have to press the brake, then accelerate, and then press the brake again. You see the red (or amber) brake warning light pop up on the dashboard. This warning light usually indicates that something’s wrong with the brakes.

It’s possible that the brake pads are worn thin due to constant braking. If that’s the case, you can get a replacement for your brake pads and drive on.

But sometimes the light stays on even after the brake pads are changed. In such cases, it’s best to get your braking system checked thoroughly. A trained mechanic will find the actual issue and fix it for you.

Pro Tip: Regular car maintenance can help avoid surprises down the line, including the red light of a failing braking system. So don’t skip it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should brake pads be replaced?

Most brake pads need replacing somewhere between 25,000 and 70,000 miles. But the number may vary depending on the type of brake pads and your driving style.

For example, semi-metallic pads can last about 30,000 to 50,000 miles. While ceramic brake pads can last up to 70,000 miles or even more.

So don’t wait till you hit a specific mark. If you’re hearing squeaking or grinding noises, or if the car’s taking longer to stop, take it to a professional for brake pad replacement.

2. What is the brake pad replacement cost in the UK?

On average, you’re looking at £75 to £150 as brake pad replacement cost in the UK. However, for luxury vehicles, replacement costs can be higher, sometimes reaching £250. That said, replacing the brake pad is still a small cost compared to the bill for replacing brake discs.

3. What happens if you don’t replace worn brake pads?

If you ignore the signs, you’ll wear down the brake pads to the metal. When that happens, the backing plate starts grinding against the disc, which can cause real damage down the road.

Potential outcomes of such a situation are very poor braking, grinding noises when stopping, and potentially failed MOT tests. And in worst cases, complete brake failure.

To avoid all of this, get a brake pad replacement early.

4. What to expect during brake pad replacement?

At a regular mechanic shop, brake pad replacement takes about 30 minutes to an hour per axle. But if you visit a decent garage, they’ll inspect the whole braking system, not just the pads. They’ll see what needs changing and tell you about it.

If everything sounds fair, give them the go-ahead, and they’ll take care of the rest.

In Conclusion: Do You Really Need Brake Pad Replacement?

Squeaking, grinding, vibrations, longer stopping distances, or a warning light points to worn brake pads that need your attention. Don’t wait for things to get worse. If you notice any of these signs, get your brake pads replaced sooner than later.

And if the professional says the issue is deep-rooted and will cost you way more than replacement money, we suggest taking a step back and thinking. Is the car worth the repairs?

If not, sell your car through Exchange My Car. Get multiple instant offers from specialist buyers. Enjoy free car collection and fast payment.

To learn more about cars, their maintenance and how to sell them, visit our blog section.