4 Signs It’s Time to Change Your Chevy’s Brake Pads

Sep 1, 2022

When you’re driving down the road, you need to feel confident that your brakes will work when you need them. Proper maintenance, including replacing your brake pads as needed, can help you rest assured your car will stop safely. But how will you know it’s time for this important service? Here are 4 signs from your local Chevy dealer that it’s time to change those pads.

Tips From Your Chevy Dealer: 4 Signs It’s Time To Change Your Chevy’s Brake Pads

1. Screeching, Squealing, or Grinding

If you regularly hear a high-pitched screeching or squealing sound when you brake, that’s a good sign you should bring your vehicle in to have the pads on the brakes inspected. This is because many brake pads are made with a metal wear indicator that is designed to make this sound when your pads are getting worn out. When you hear this sound regularly, it’s time to bring your car in for service.

A deeper grinding or metallic sound is even more serious. If you’re hearing this, it means your pads are not just wearing thin, but totally worn away so that your brakes are touching the discs when you stop. This is unsafe and can also seriously damage your brakes, so bring your car in immediately if you hear grinding when you brake.

2. Indicator Light

Your vehicle may come with a low-pad warning system. Your owner’s manual should let you know if your vehicle has this system, which will illuminate an indicator light on your dashboard if the pads get too worn. As with any indicator light, take your car in for service so that a professional can inspect and maintain your brakes and also reset the indicator light.

3. Pad Thickness

Some DIY-focused drivers may want to visually examine the pad. If you do this, measure the thickness of the pad where it is compressed against the rotor. It should not be less than 1/4 inch, or around 7 millimeters, thick. If the pad has worn thinner than this, it’s time for a replacement.

4. Shaking Brake Pedal

If you feel your brake pedal shaking or vibrating when you press down on it, that is a sign that the pads on your brakes have worn out. If you feel your brake pedal vibrating, don’t wait to have your car serviced.

Continuing to drive on brakes with pads that have worn thin is dangerous and can cause expensive damage to your brakes. If you experience these signs, don’t wait. Have your pads inspected and replaced if necessary so that you can stay safe on the roads. Stop by Bommarito Chevrolet South County today to find your perfect vehicle, and follow our tips to keep it in tip-top shape.

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