When to replace the brake pads
Worn brake pads can negatively affect your ability to stop the car. This can be especially dangerous in an emergency situation when the brakes are working properly to help you stop your car quickly. There are some telltale signs of pending brake problems; Do you know what they are? Awareness of a problem is the key to avoiding potentially harmful consequences; Let’s examine some well-known warning signs.
Signs of pending brake problems include the following:
While some of these problems may require you to replace other brake components, an inspection of your brake pads should reveal that they are worn and need immediate replacement.
Your next course of action depends on your experience, your time, and your wallet. Most shops offer a free brake inspection and this can be a wonderful opportunity for someone else to inspect your system to confirm their findings.
Ask your mechanic for a complete diagnosis of your brake system and an estimate of the parts and repairs that will cost you. A good garage will give you a print that shows a fairly close estimate of what your costs will be. Add your local taxes and the price quoted must be within 95% of the final cost, unless an additional unforeseen problem is detected [for example, brake master cylinder failure].
If you feel reasonably confident that you can do the job yourself, you can save yourself a lot of money, at least in labor. You can also save money on parts by comparing prices; the highest prices you pay will likely be through your dealer’s parts department. Prices at a national auto parts supply store should be lower, while prices through an online wholesaler should be the lowest available as they buy directly from the manufacturer.
If you decide to buy online, only get parts from a reputable dealer that sells parts from trusted manufacturers. Beware of sites that sell generic spare parts from foreign dealers. Make sure you can return what you buy, if necessary, to the US-based address.