Signs of Worn Brake Pads in Cars That Need to Be Replaced

To ensure your driving experience is always comfortable, various components of the car must be in prime condition. Especially the braking system, as any issues can be quite dangerous.

In this braking system, there are brake pads that must be replaced when they are worn out. Here are the signs of worn-out brake pads.

1. Brake Pedal Feels Vibrant When Pressed

The first sign of worn-out brake pads is that the brake pedal will feel vibrant when pressed. This is because worn-out brake pads make their surface uneven, causing vibrations.

The brake disc also cannot grip perfectly, making the vibrations in the brake pedal more pronounced.

This can certainly make the driver uncomfortable when braking the vehicle.

Moreover, these vibrations are not only felt in the brake pedal but can also affect the steering wheel if not addressed promptly. Besides being uncomfortable, this condition can also be dangerous for you and all passengers.

2. Brake Pedal Feels Deep

The next sign of worn-out brake pads is that the brake pedal feels deeper than usual. Generally, you will feel this condition if the rear wheel drum brake pads are worn out.

This is because drum brakes have a return spring, so even if the piston moves far, it will still return to its original position.

When your car's brake pads are worn out, this condition will occur, where the piston movement must be far for the drum to be pressed, making it feel deeper when you press the brake pedal.

This is different when the brake pads are still thick, as the drum brake can be pressed easily even if the piston moves only slightly.

3. Brakes Are Not Firm

When the brake pads are worn out, you will definitely feel that the vehicle's brakes are not very firm. This happens because the pressure from the pads on the disc is uneven, resulting in a smaller brake surface area.

As a result, the braking force produced is also less than optimal even if you have pressed the brake pedal deeper.

If you find yourself in this condition, you must be cautious and immediately replace the brake pads. Because if left unchecked, it can be dangerous, even threatening your life and that of other road users.

This is because the car becomes harder to stop, increasing the risk of unwanted traffic accidents.

4. A Squeaking Sound is Heard

If a squeaking sound occurs when pressing the brakes, this is also an important sign of worn-out brake pads that you should pay attention to. The sound produced is similar to that of metal or iron friction.

The reason is that worn-out brake pads leave only the metal part. So the braking system only contacts that metal, instead of the pads.

5. Brake Fluid Volume Decreases

A decrease in brake fluid can also be one of the signs that your car's brake pads are worn out or depleted.

Brake fluid can be checked through the car hood; if you find the fluid level has dropped without any leaks, it is likely that the vehicle's brake pads are worn out or depleted.

Why does the fluid also decrease when the brake pads are worn? This is because the thinning brake pads will force the piston to move or push further out.

This adds to the hydraulic space in the caliper, resulting in a decrease in brake fluid. This is another important sign of worn-out brake pads that you should recognize.

Since the braking system is very vital and crucial, all components of this system must always be carefully monitored. Including brake pads, which play a significant role in the braking process.