Many cars are manufactured with different indicator lights to help drivers stay proactive about maintenance. In some vehicles, a warning light may turn on when sensors detect that the brake pads are not working properly as the car decelerates. Even if you hear no other noises, always see a professional auto body shop to double-check indicators.
Blog Layout
5 Signs You Need New Brake Pads
Whitesell Collision • Mar 01, 2022
Safety is one of the biggest priorities of driving a car, which is why problems should be addressed promptly to ensure that you stay safe and in control behind the wheel. This is especially true when it comes to the brakes. Here are a few signs that can alert you to the need for new brake pads.
What Are Common Indications of Worn-Out Brake Pads?
1. Squealing Noises
As friction wears down brake pads, metal pieces built into the pad will be exposed. This metal scrapes against the brake discs or drums, creating a squealing, screeching, or squeaking noise to let the driver know the brakes are nearing the end of their life span. You may also hear these sounds sometimes in wet weather conditions, but if they come up persistently whenever you press the pedal, this is likely a sign that new brakes are needed.
2. Grinding or Growling
If a brake pad wears down too much, its metal backing can come in contact with the disc or drum, creating a deeper metal grinding noise. This is a serious issue and should be addressed promptly by a car repair professional, as continued grinding will eventually result in unsafe driving conditions and necessitate replacing not only the brake pad but also the drum or disk itself.
3. Indicator Lights
4. Vibrations
When you press on the brake pedal, the car should come to a smooth stop. Sometimes the pedal will vibrate when pressed, which is an indication of glazing, a condition where the resin in the pads heats up and smears unevenly across the disc or drum. When not addressed in a timely manner, vibrations can cause further damage to your car and affect the handling, so have an auto professional confirm if one or more parts of the brake system need to be replaced.
5. Visual Deterioration
Just as tires naturally deteriorate with distance, so do brake pads. On average, pads last about 30,000 miles, so perform visual inspections regularly once you reach higher mileage. If they are less than 1/4 of an inch thick, it is time for new pads.
If you suspect it’s time to get new brake pads, contact Whitesell Service Inc. in Waynesboro, VA. This licensed automotive care center works to ensure you remain safe on the road. Their team performs comprehensive diagnostics to identify and fix any issues you may encounter. Visit them online to learn more about their services, or call (540) 943-3361 to schedule an appointment.
Drivers in Virginia are required to have their vehicles inspected for safety every year to maintain a valid vehicle registration. In addition to the state requirement, though, some insurance companies also require an inspection. For example, insurance carriers sometimes want to inspect used cars before covering them to prevent claims for preexisting damage. It's more common, though, to conduct an inspection after an accident to determine the extent of the damage and how much they will pay for collision repair .
Sometimes, even the best drivers can become a little too relaxed when driving. However, being inattentive in a parking garage can result in unfortunate and even dangerous consequences, resulting in the need for auto body work . Follow these tips to avoid parking garage incidents.
The risk of drivers running into a deer tends to increase at night, especially because these animals are more active during low-light periods. Whether you’re driving down a busy highway or along the quiet country roads, deer can run in front of your vehicle and even cause wrecks that require extensive car repair . Fortunately, with a little foresight, it’s possible to avoid a collision. Here’s a closer look to help you to better prepare for your nighttime drives.
Unexpectedly driving over a pothole is enough to cause your wheels to become misaligned. Any type of forcible action can have the same result, affecting the way your car drives and significantly impacting your comfort and safety on the road. Here are a few key signs that it’s time to visit an auto body shop for a wheel alignment.
While the bumper may have been a cosmetic feature for the earliest automobiles, it now plays a vital role in protecting your auto body . Understanding how the component protects your car and when you might need to replace it is essential knowledge for every driver. Here's what you should know about your vehicle's bumper.
When you step on the brake pedal, you expect your vehicle to slow down and come to a complete stop. Functional brake pads are necessary for ensuring this happens. If these parts of the braking system are worn or damaged, driving can be unpredictable and dangerous. Here's what you should know about these important auto components.
Car dents, dings, and scratches are common in parking lots. Shopping carts can nick the exterior of the vehicle, and other motorists might swing open their doors into your automobile. While a dent repair shop can fix any blemishes your car sustains, here's what you can do to prevent parking lot damage in the first place.
Everyone has had an interaction with an aggressive tailgater at some time throughout their driving career. If you find yourself in this situation, the right approach can help you avoid an accident and the subsequent car repairs . Here's how to safely navigate any scenario involving a tailgater.
Whether you're cruising the open highway or navigating city traffic, driving requires focus to maintain safety. Becoming distracted while behind the wheel can lead to fender benders and the need for collision repair . Here are a few helpful tips to help you maintain focus when driving.
Contact Information
Phone: (540) 943-3361
Fax: (540) 942-3180
Email: whitesellservice@rocketmail.com
Location: 332 Rosser Ave Waynesboro, VA 22980
