When to Replace Your Brake Pads
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Don’t Ignore These 5 Warning Signs
They may seem minor to you, but your car’s brake pads help keep you and your passengers safe on the road. It’s crucial to check them as part of your regular car maintenance. Replacing your brake pads when they’re already worn out can potentially save you a pretty sum of money in repairs. More importantly, the new brake pads can also save your life when you have to use your brakes to prevent a potentially catastrophic road accident.
A rule of thumb is to replace your brake pads every 40,000 to 50,000 miles. That number, however, may vary depending on road conditions and your driving style. Fortunately, some signs can tell if your brake pads are getting toward the end of their lifespan — and you don’t need a mechanic to perform the diagnosis.
Here are the five signs that tell you it’s time to replace your brake pads:
1. Grinding metal sound when braking
As soon as you hear grinding noise while pressing on the brake pedal, take your car to an auto professional right away. Some brake pads come with built-in metal wear indicators, which make a loud noise to let you know that it’s time to get new pads. If you allow them to continue grinding, it will lead to more damage and higher repair fees.
2. Squealing or squeaking noises
When your brakes squeal or squeak, the brake pads may be telling you that they’re about to break down. These annoying sounds are usually due to worn-out pads, although you may also experience them during rainy days. Persistently squealing or squeaking brakes should be enough to get your brakes evaluated by a professional.
3. Brake vibration
Another sign that your brake pads are no longer in good shape is a vibrating brake pedal. If your pedal feels unsteady and vibrates as you’re pressing it down, your brake pads most likely are worn out. Get your brakes checked immediately when this happens.
4. Indicator light comes on
Most cars nowadays have an indicator light on the dashboard that will signal when their brake pads are wearing down. If you see your brake warning light on and your parking brake isn’t engaged, you’ll need to contact a brake expert for further diagnosis. Also, check your owner’s manual to check if your vehicle has the low-pad warning system.
5. Brake pads appear thinner than usual
Visual inspection is an easy way to determine if it’s time to replace your brake pads. Look between the spokes of your wheels and you should be able to locate your brake pad on the rotor. If it looks less than 1/4 inch thick, you need to get yourself a new set of brake pads.
Get Rid of Your Unwanted Car for a Worthy Cause
When brake pads are not the only worn-out parts that need to be replaced in your car, when the estimated cost of your auto’s repair is already way too much for you, it’s time to consider retiring that vehicle. However, you can still use it in a meaningful way by donating it to a charity that supports a worthy cause.
When you hand it over to us at Breast Cancer Car Donations, we’ll use it to help save the lives of destitute breast cancer patients in your area.
We’ll sell your donated car through an auction and use the proceeds to help fund the life-saving programs of leading breast cancer nonprofit organizations that are in partnership with us. The money will help them sustain their delivery of critical breast health services to uninsured and indigent breast cancer patients.
Thus, thanks to your donation, more needy breast cancer patients in your community will be given easy access to reputable medical facilities. They will also receive financial assistance to help cover the costs of their consultations, hospitalization, treatments, medications, and follow-up care. Our charity partners also use the funding to provide other beneficiaries with free breast cancer screening, diagnosis, as well as cancer prevention, education, and counseling services.
Since our charity partners are IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, your donation will qualify you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
We’ll also provide you with our free professional towing service anywhere in the United States.
On top of these material rewards, your donation will allow you to enjoy a most satisfying giving experience, knowing that your gift will be used to help save lives.
You can donate almost any type of vehicle regardless of its age or condition.
To find out more information about Breast Cancer Car Donations, including our quick and simple vehicle donation process, check out our FAQs page. Don’t hesitate to leave us a message here if you have any concerns or questions. We would love to hear from you.
Let’s Work Together to Save Lives Today!
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Are you ready to part ways with your old car and turn it into a life-saving instrument? Hand it over to us today! Call Breast Cancer Car Donations at 866-540-5069 or click here to make your donation now!
Last Updated: March 10th, 2023