Every time you press the brake pedal, the braking calipers clamp the brake pads onto the rotors, which slows or stops your car. But each time this happens, a little more of your pads are shorn away. When a braking pad grows too thin, it needs to be replaced before your car loses it’s stopping power. Here are five common signs that it’s time to get new pads at your nearest Chrysler dealer.
You’re Losing Stopping Power
The clearest sign of brake trouble is any reduction in your vehicle’s stopping power. If you ever press the pedal and your car fails to stop as promptly as it should, have a technician inspect your brakes without delay.
This problem may result from overly worn pads. It might even be due to overheating brakes, which can sometimes cause the resin in pads to melt, reducing their traction against the rotor discs.
You Hear High-Pitched Squealing
When the friction layer of a pad in your braking mechanism grows too thin, you’re likely to hear a high-pitched squealing or squeaking sound. This noise is created by a small strip of metal inside the pad that’s designed specifically to make this attention-catching noise.
You Hear Metallic Grinding
If you hear grinding while braking, it’s best to have your brakes inspected right away. Metallic grinding might be something caught inside the calipers, but it also might be created by a completely worn-out pad, which won’t be functioning properly and will probably be damaging the rotor disc.
Your Brake Warning Light Comes to Life
Sensors in your brakes will usually detect brake trouble before you. And so you’ll see the brake warning light on your instrument panel come to life when a pad or any other brake component is faltering.
But this light also comes on when the parking brake is engaged. So when you see the brake warning light, make sure you check that the parking brake is disengaged before assuming you have brake trouble.
Your Chrysler Dealer Finds a Flaw
For safety’s sake, it’s best to visit your local dealership for brake servicing every four to six months. During your regular visits, the technician will monitor how quickly your pads and other braking components are wearing down.
They’ll be able to tell you when to have replacements installed. They can also keep you updated on how much longer parts are likely to last to help you prepare for replacements in advance.
Have qualified technicians service your brakes and replace worn-out pads at All American Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Odessa. We’re a local community-driven dealership, and we proudly provide the oil workers of Odessa and all other customers with great customer service and top-notch motor vehicles.
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