There are some details you should pay attention to for both your safety and vehicle health.

There is also the problem of systematically checking the brake pads, even if there is no warning. How many kilometers should the brake pads be checked?

1. Hardness or looseness felt in the brake pedal

If your brake pads are wearing out, you will also feel changes in the pedal. If the brake pedal feels harder or looser than usual when you press it, there is a problem.

With a hard pedal, the pads may not be contacting the brake discs as required. A loose pedal may indicate that the pads have lost their function.

2. Strange noises when braking

When it comes to brake pads, everyone knows that a noise comes first because one of the most common signs is strange noises heard when braking. If you hear a squeal when you press the brake pedal, there is a high chance that your brake pads are worn.

Your brake pads make this sound when they are at the end of their life, but if they are completely worn out, you may hear a louder sound. In this case, the discs, not the pads, start to get damaged, which means a much more costly problem.

3. Decreased braking performance

If your car does not stop as quickly as before when you brake or your braking distance becomes significantly longer, it is a signal that the pads are insufficient. This is an important detail because you endanger not only your safety but also the safety of other drivers in traffic.

4. Vibration or shaking in the steering wheel

If you feel a vibration or jolt in the steering wheel while braking, this may indicate that the brake pads may be worn out.

The reason for this is that vibrations occur due to the pads not applying equal pressure on the brake discs. This situation not only causes discomfort but also points to an important issue.

5. Brake light coming on

If you have a modern vehicle, there is probably a warning light on the dashboard related to the brake system. If the light comes on when you brake, either your pads are worn out or there is another problem with the brake system.

6. The vehicle pulls to the right or left

If you notice that your vehicle pulls to the right or left while braking, you may think that the brake pads are worn out. This is usually an indication that the pads are not worn evenly. When the pads on one side wear out more, vehicle stability deteriorates during braking and traction problems occur.

7. Brake system smell

Do you smell a burning smell? This smell is felt more strongly, especially during prolonged or sudden braking. A burning smell indicates that the brake pads are about to lose their function completely and urgent intervention is required.

8. Increased fuel consumption

Many people overlook this detail. When your brake pads wear out, fuel consumption may increase as the efficiency of your vehicle will be affected. The reason for this is that worn pads put more load on the brake system and require the engine to work harder.

How many kilometers should you change it and when should you go to the service?

If you notice one or more of the symptoms listed above, you should go to an authorized service without delay. By having your brake pads inspected regularly, you can ensure your safety and prevent larger expenses.

There is also a pad replacement period. If you are an aggressive driver, you may need to change your pads between 20 thousand and 30 thousand km. If you have a calmer driving style, you can change between 50 thousand and 70 thousand km.

Knowing that brake pads wear out faster during urban driving with constant stop-start, you can actually have your brake pads inspected annually and replaced every 2-3 years. If you are a person of long trips, this period may increase to 4-5 years.

Other factors affecting the replacement of brake pads

In addition to your driving style, your vehicle is also an important detail in this regard. If you carry heavy loads, your brake system becomes more stressed and this means rapid wear of the pads.

In addition, the quality and type of brake pads also changes things. Quality ceramic or metallic pads may have a longer lifespan. You can see your brake pad type and recommended replacement period in your vehicle’s user manual.

As you can see, it is not that difficult to understand that the brake pads are worn out. You just need to pay attention to your car. Do not ignore the symptoms so that both your life and the lives of others are not in danger.

Other details you need to know about your car: