Brake Pads & Discs

 Like any car part, brake discs suffer wear and tear over time. On average, brake discs should be replaced every 25,000-30,000 miles—but they can wear faster. It’s advised to check your brake discs every 10,000 miles to ensure they’re working safely. 

If your brakes appear less responsive and it takes you longer to slow down, don’t ignore them, as they’ll probably need replacing. Other signs to look out for include:

• If your car is pulling to one side
• Your brake pedals are pulsating, or there’s vibration through your steering wheel
• You hear a grinding or squealing noise when you brake
• You notice leaks on the inner wheels
• The brake warning light is illuminated on the dashboard
• You notice a sticking handbrake or the brake pedals sinking to the floor

 If you drive a car of any kind, the brake pads are one of its key components. Keeping them in good condition is essential for your safety and that of your passengers and other road users. It's vital to get your brakes checked regularly—and to prioritise brake pad replacement at the first sign of a problem. 

A typical car's braking system consists of a pair of brake pads, a brake disc, and a brake caliper on each wheel. The brake pads are flat components comprised of a ceramic or semi-metallic surface material bonded to a metal body.

The brake pads fit into the caliper, with their friction-resistant surface almost touching the two sides of the brake disc. When the driver presses the brake pedal, this causes hydraulic fluid in the caliper to push the brake pads against each side of the rotating brake disc. The resulting pressure and friction cause the vehicle to slow down then come to a safe, controlled stop. That explains why your brake pads need to be checked regularly.

 Brake pads are designed to survive thousands of miles of constant use. Most car manufacturers say pads should last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. However, these figures are purely for guidance and subject to variables such as driving habits. It’s never safe to assume your brake pads are fine just because the car's mileage is below a certain number. 

If your car's braking performance has changed, you're feeling vibration, or hearing an unusual noise, the problem may be caused by any of the braking system components or by a combination of factors. Other signs to look out for include:

• Leaks of fluid on the inner wheels
• Pulling to one side when braking
• The brake pedal sinking to the floor
• A warning light showing on the dashboard

 Brake pads & discs vary in price depending on the make and model of your car and the quality of the product.