No matter if you’re reading this in the winter, summer, or spring, there’s never a bad time for a road trip! But, before you hop in the driver’s seat and hit the road, let’s ensure one crucial aspect is ready to handle your upcoming journey – your car’s brake pads.

If you’re not sure where to start but have noticed some signs that you need to have your brakes inspected or just feel like it may be time for service, the team at Christian Brothers Automotive is here to offer the insight needed on what brake pads are and what they do, the different types of brake pads, and when and why you should have them replaced.

What Are Brake Pads, and What Do They Do?

Brake pads are an essential component of your car’s braking system. They are small parts, about the size of your hand, and are situated between your brake calipers and brake rotors. Your rotors are the shiny silver part you can see behind your wheel. Imagine holding a frisbee as you would just before tossing it. The frisbee in this illustration is similar to the rotor, and your hand is similar to the caliper. The caliper holds the brake pads, and when you press your brake pedal the caliper squeezes the pads on the fast spinning brake rotor in order to slow it down safely and bring your vehicle to a complete stop. Each wheel of your car most likely has two brake pads each, one on each side of the rotor, but some cars may have only one pad on each wheel.

Did you know there are different types of pads? Yep. Here they are…

There Are Four Types of Brake Pads

• Semi-Metallic – Semi-metallic brake pads may not work too well in super-low temperatures but are very easy on the car’s rotors, maximizing the lifespan. These are found mostly in high-performance and race cars.

• Organic – Also known as NAO brakes, or non-asbestos organic, these are quiet and clean. They are a great choice due to their efficient stopping power with minimal brake dust and noise.

• Low-Metallic Organic – Low metallic asbestos-free pads are a louder option with a bit more brake dust left behind. Still, the heat transfer is excellent in these. And so is the stopping power!

• Ceramic – Ceramic brake pads are possibly the best asbestos alternative and probably the most popular. Many car owners choose these pads for the stopping power and heat tolerance provided. They also have a long life, ensuring service appointments are kept at a minimum. The only downside is that they aren’t very heat resistant and can become worn quickly during aggressive driving.

Do Brake Pads Need to Be Replaced & How Often?

Eventually, yes. Once you have made it through the brake pad that came with the original vehicle (often referred to as OEM pads, Original Equipment Manufacturer), you must find a new set. Regardless of the vehicle, a great pair of brake pads should last around a year or two or, on average, between 50 and 100 thousand miles.

Of course, certain driving conditions can cause you to need your brake pad service completed sooner rather than later. Some things that can speed up your next brake replacement include:

• Lack of Auto Maintenance – Brake pads eventually need to be replaced. If proper maintenance of your car is ignored, your brake pads may wear sooner than you would like. Having your tires rotated every six months can help prolong their lifespan. How? Uneven wear on your tires leads to unequal friction from the brakes. Tires with lower tread don’t grip the road as much and need more friction from the pads to slow down the wheels; this leads to the pads wearing down faster.

• Poor Driving Conditions – Constant stop-and-go traffic, last-minute emergency braking during rush hour, and driving on uneven pavement can cause excessive wear and tear on your brakes.

• Vehicle Quality – All original brake pads are built the same. Depending on the type of car you have, you may be dealing with more premature wear. It’s best to turn to a professional to establish the best plan to get the most out of your original pads.

Ensuring you’re driving safely, braking easily, and working with a professional auto technician to establish a routine service plan are some of the best things you can do to extend the lifespan of your brake pads.

What Are Some Signs that I Need to Change My Brakes?

If you aren’t sure how to tell if your brake pads need to be replaced, it’s essential to understand some of the common warning signs.

Some common signs that a brake pad replacement is needed include:

• Loud squeaky or squealing noise coming from the car when brakes are applied

• There is a deep grinding metal sound when brakes are applied

• The brake pedal vibrates when attempting to stop the car

• Brake pads are visibly thin or show signs of damage

• There is a lot of brake dust collected on wheels

What Brake Pads Should I Choose for a Replacement?

Ultimately, the best brake pad for your car is the one recommended by the manufacturer. If you need help deciding which model of brake pad is best for your car, speak to one of our automotive technicians or check your owner’s manual.

Additionally, when considering all your options for a new set of brake pads for your car, you’ll want to consider the brake pad’s specific stopping power, fade resistance, noise, dust, and wear levels. All of this can be found in the description or on various resources online.

How Can I Ensure My Brakes Are Good to Go – and Stop?

At the first sign of trouble for your car’s braking system, or just for peace of mind, schedule a visit with one of our local auto shop repair locations! Upon your arrival, our team will work to understand the problems you’ve been experiencing and create the perfect solution for you and your vehicle. Whether that’s a one-time repair or replacement, our professional technicians will ensure your braking system is ready to handle your next trip with the utmost confidence and safety!

Are you searching for nearby brake replacement services? Locate your closest brake service auto shop online and schedule your appointment with our professional team! And when you choose Christian Brothers Automotive, you’ll receive our industry leading Nice Difference® warranty and quite possibly the nicest auto repair shop lobby you’ve ever experienced.