Have you ever come across the news that your car suddenly stops while you’re driving on the highway? Or maybe overheating one day, after many months of working fine? Chances are it’s due to worn-out brake pads.
These useful components reduce the speed of your vehicle using friction to convert kinetic energy into thermal energy. It happens as the brake pedal is being pressed, and a plunger forces brake fluid from the master cylinder into the brake lines.
The hydraulic system activates callipers that clamp onto your car’s brake discs or drums to slow down the rotation. However, as these components wear out over time, you might feel it as reduced braking power. It may start as a soft grinding noise and, as they wear out more and more, you might experience a rough or grabby brake pedal.
When the pads are wearing down to metal backing plates, it’s time for new ones. Here are some tips for buying a new one from platforms such as www.rolan.com.au.
1. Take Time To Choose Brake Pads
Choose brake pads suited not just for your vehicle but specifically for each part of the braking system. Different kinds of brakes work differently with their own specific parts like rotors, shoes/pads, callipers, and drums.
Cars today come standard (and optional) with many parts. They can be front discs and rear drums, a disc brake system at the front, and a drum brake system or discs in all four wheels. Discs function using callipers to squeeze on them, while drums use shoes/pads lining the inside surface.
2. Pay Attention And Notice The Noise Your Brakes Make
There’s a difference in sound when you apply the brake and when it isn’t. If there’s an unusual noise, it might indicate parts worn out or malfunctioning. The first thing to do is determine its source. You can start by checking if it’s coming from the brake pedal. If it does, then the problem may be the brake booster or master cylinder.
If you feel any irregularities when applying the brakes, visit an auto repair shop for inspection.
3. Consider Replacement Costs And Your Budget
There are various types to choose from when it comes to brake pads. And you can spend a fortune on these components depending on the brand and material used in manufacturing.
But if you want a high-quality product without hurting your wallet, opt for OE (original equipment) replacement parts. They’re less costly but offer outstanding performance. You can also buy aftermarket parts that look, fit, and work the same as OE ones.
4. Know What You’re Buying
Do your homework first, so you’ll know which pad suits your car perfectly. So before heading to the shop, identify the following: 1) front or back, 2) disc or drum, 3) wet or dry, 4) organic, semi-metallic or ceramic.
Front brake pads, for instance, are made from materials that reduce squealing and fading when they get hot. The dry ones tend to be noisy compared to the wet type but require less maintenance. Organic material has a linear friction rate while metallic one increases exponentially in a curve.
5. Get A Complete Set Of Pads
An optimal way to ensure that all the brake components are working correctly is to get a complete set of brake pads, not just one or two at a time. This way, your car is ready for any brake-related emergencies and saves money as well.
Different parts of a braking system have different roles and work together. That’s why it is essential to buy brake pads compatible with your vehicle and specific for each part of the system. Also, you should consider where you’re going to buy from a shop or online store and consider if they offer different kinds of brake pad options based on your vehicle type.
