Effects of Driving With Bad Brake Pads
According to statistics, there are over 5 million car crashes annually in the United States. Faulty vehicle parts only account for 2% of those crashes. However, out of that small percentage, 22% are due to faulty brakes. That translates to around 300,000 crashes per year caused by brake failure.1
Having properly functioning brakes is critical for safe driving. Brakes slow and stop your vehicle, help maintain control, and prevent accidents. When brakes wear down, they become less effective at bringing your car to a halt. Driving with deteriorated brakes is extremely dangerous and puts you and others at risk.
Sources:
1. https://www.lawlavin.com/blog/how-common-is-brake-failure/
What Are Brake Pads?
Brake pads are one of the main components in the braking system for automotives like cars, motorcycles and buses. They are typically made of a metal backing plate attached with friction material. The brake pads make contact with the brake disk or rotor to create friction that slows the vehicle down and brings it to a stop.
The purpose of brake pads is to grip the brake rotor using friction when the brake pedal is pressed. This creates friction between the pads and rotor to slow down the wheels and stop the vehicle. The friction material on the pad surface wears down over time as it rubs against the rotor. Therefore brake pads will need periodic replacement.
Most automobiles will have disc brakes with pads on each of the wheels, as this provides better braking performance than the older drum brake design. Some motorcycles still use drum brakes however. The harder and more aggressively the brakes are applied, the faster the pads will wear down. Factors like vehicle weight, speed, road conditions and driving style will all impact pad life.
Signs of Worn Brake Pads
There are several symptoms that indicate your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced:
Squealing or high-pitched screeching when braking is one of the most common signs of worn brake pads. This noise occurs as the pad material wears thin and the metal backing plate starts contacting the brake rotor (source).
Brake pedal vibration while braking can signify uneven pad wear, often due to seized brake components. This causes the pads to wear unevenly and vibrate when applied against the rotors (source).
Fading or decreased stopping power is another warning that pads are too worn. Worn pads require more pedal pressure to achieve the same braking force, resulting in longer stopping distances (source).
Squealing or scraping noises, even with newly replaced pads, can indicate excessive rotor wear. This happens when overly worn pads damage the rotor surface (source).
Paying attention to these symptoms and replacing pads in a timely manner is crucial for safe braking and preventing further damage.
Dangers of Driving on Bad Brakes
Driving with worn brake pads is extremely dangerous and can lead to brake failure or increased stopping distances, putting you and others at risk. As the brake pad material wears thin, your brakes become less effective at slowing your vehicle down (source). The worn pads cannot grip the brake rotor properly, increasing the distance it takes to come to a complete stop.
In severe cases, worn brake pads can cause complete brake failure by wearing through the pad entirely. At that point, there is no friction material left to stop the brake rotors from spinning. This leads to a total loss of braking power, making it impossible to control the vehicle. According to experts, you should never drive with less than 3/32 inch of brake pad friction material remaining, as it greatly increases the chances of brake failure (source).
In summary, continuing to drive on worn brake pads that should be replaced immediately puts you and others in grave danger from longer stopping distances and potential complete brake failure.
When to Replace Brake Pads
Brake pads should be inspected regularly to determine when they need replacement. The general recommendation is to replace brake pads every 25,000 to 65,000 miles (Harr Toyota). For cars driven primarily in urban environments with frequent stop-and-go traffic, brake pads may need to be replaced more frequently – around every 30,000-35,000 miles (Bridgestone). Highway driving is less demanding on brakes, so pads can often last longer before needing replacement.
There are a few signs that indicate your brake pads need to be replaced soon: squealing or grinding noises when braking, vibration in the steering wheel when braking, low brake pedal pressure, brake warning light illumination, and uneven pad wear. Performing regular visual inspections of your brake pads to check their thickness is the best way to monitor wear and determine when replacement is needed. Many pads have built-in wear indicators that make a scraping noise when the pad material gets low to alert you that replacement is due.
Cost of Replacing Brake Pads
The cost of replacing brake pads can vary significantly depending on the make and model of the vehicle, whether just the pads need replacing or the rotors as well, and whether you do it yourself or have a professional mechanic do it. However, some average costs are:
For just a brake pad replacement on all four wheels, parts will typically cost between $100-$300 total. Front brake pad replacements average $40-$150 per axle, while rear brake pads average $25-$150 per axle. Labor costs generally add $150-$300 for a total brake pad replacement job.
According to AAA, replacing brake pads and rotors together averages $350-$700 per axle depending on the vehicle https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/how-much-to-replace-brake-pads. AutoZone estimates $300-$700 for a full brake pad and rotor replacement job including parts and labor https://www.autozone.com/diy/brakes/brake-replacement-cost.
Overall, for just brake pads, expect to pay $150-$500 for parts and labor. Adding rotors will increase costs to the $350-$700 range. Luxury vehicles may cost more. Things like location, shop rates, and vehicle condition also impact price.
Prolonging Brake Pad Life
There are several good driving habits that can help prolong the life of your brake pads and rotors. One of the most important is avoiding unnecessary hard braking. Each time you slam on the brakes, it takes a toll on your brake pads. By braking early and gradually, you can significantly reduce wear and tear. Coasting to stops and keeping a safe following distance are great ways to brake less often and more gently.
Another key habit is not resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This constant slight pressure can lead to uneven and accelerated wear. It’s best to only press the pedal when actively braking. Additionally, avoiding stop-and-go traffic and frequent short trips helps give your brakes a chance to cool down between uses, promoting longer life.
The type of brake pads you choose also impacts longevity. Ceramic brake pads generally last the longest, thanks to their heat resistance and smooth operating characteristics. Semi-metallic pads are more prone to noise and wear, while organic pads offer good lifespan but may fade when hot. Consult a brake specialist to pick the right pads for your driving style and conditions. With quality parts and attentive driving habits, you can maximize the miles you get from your brake pads.
Types of Brake Pads
There are several common types of brake pads, each with their own advantages and disadvantages:
- Ceramic brake pads – Made from ceramic materials similar to pottery. Provide less braking power but produce less dust and are quieter. More expensive but can last longer (source: https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/ceramic-vs-metallic-brake-pads/).
- Semi-metallic brake pads – Contain 30-65% metal as well as steel wool and wire. More durable and better braking power but produce more dust and noise (source: https://www.matfoundrygroup.com/blog/types-of-brake-pads-and-which-should-you-use).
- Organic brake pads – Made of natural materials like rubber, glass, kevlar or silica. Cheap and quiet but wear faster (source: https://www.thedrive.com/guides-and-gear/which-brake-pads-should-i-get-your-options-explained).
Each type has trade-offs between cost, noise, dust, and braking performance that should be considered when choosing new brake pads.
DIY or Mechanic
Doing your own brake work can save a lot of money compared to taking your car to a mechanic. However, there are some important considerations to weigh before deciding to replace brake pads yourself:
Skill level – Replacing brake pads and rotors requires some mechanical aptitude and experience. If you’ve never done brake work before, it may be better to leave it to a professional.
Tools – You’ll need a jack and jack stands, wrenches, torque wrench, brake lubricant, and the proper sockets and wrenches for your make/model. Buying or renting tools can add to the cost.
Safety – Brakes are a crucial safety system. Improperly installed pads or rotors can lead to brake failure. If you aren’t confident in your skills, it may be safer to have a mechanic do the work.
Warranty issues – Many warranties require certified mechanics do any brake work. Doing it yourself may void certain warranties.
Time investment – It can take 2-5 hours or longer your first time replacing brake pads and rotors yourself. Factor in the time needed.
Some guidance on doing your own brake work safely can be found in this Reddit thread. While DIY can save hundreds of dollars, the job does require mechanical skill, proper tools, safety precautions, and time. Consider your own capabilities before deciding to tackle brake replacements yourself versus taking it to a professional mechanic.
Conclusion
In summary, driving with worn brake pads is extremely dangerous and can lead to brake failure, longer stopping distances, and increased risk of accidents. The warning signs of brake wear include squealing, grinding, vibrating, or pulsating brake pedals. It’s critical to get brake pads replaced before they wear down to the metal backing plate in order to avoid damage to rotors and calipers.
To maximize brake pad life, avoid riding the brakes, don’t drive aggressively, and keep tires properly inflated. Semi-metallic and ceramic pads generally last the longest. Replacing brake pads yourself can save money compared to going to a mechanic if you have the proper tools and knowledge. Overall, staying on top of brake maintenance by routinely inspecting brake pads and replacing them at the first sign of wear is essential to stay safe on the road.
The bottom line is don’t ignore worn brake pads. Get them inspected and replaced promptly to protect yourself and others on the road.