Brake Pads Service Near Chula Vista, CA

View of a service tech inspecting brake pads on a vehicle

Brake Pads Service at Premier Cadillac of Carlsbad

When a car pulls out in front of you with no warning or slams on its brakes, you want to be able to stop on a dime. Quality brakes will help you avoid collisions by stopping quickly. You can count on Premier Cadillac of Carlsbad for brake pad service to keep your brake system in prime condition. We proudly serve our customers in San Clemente, Chula Vista, and Poway.

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How Do Brakes Work

The brake system is a complex mechanism with multiple components that work together to stop your vehicle. Most modern vehicles have disc brakes while a few may have drum brakes on the rear wheels. When you press down on the brake, fluid creates hydraulic pressure in the brake lines and hoses. A piston that extends around the brake rotor squeezes the inboard and outboard brake pad against the rotor. The friction created by the pads pressing against the rotor causes the rotor to stop turning and the vehicle to slow down.

Most brake pads last between 20,000 and 40,000 miles before needing to be replaced. How quickly they wear out depends on the materials used and how you drive. Three types of brake pads are in existence:

  • Non-metallic brake pads are made of a combination of man-made materials, such as sintered glass and cellulose. They are quiet and create a soft brake pad, which is easier on rotors. They have a shorter lifespan than other materials.
  • Semi-metallic brake pads include copper and steel with non-metallic materials, allowing them to last longer. They are also noisier and cause more wear for the rotors.
  • Ceramic brake pads use clay and porcelain with copper to be more resistant to wear and less noise while providing a longer life.

Signs Your Brake Pads Need to Be Replaced

You can look at your brakes to see if the pads need to be replaced. If you can’t see the rotors easily, you may still notice some other signs.

  • If you hear a squealing sound when you press on the brake pedal, it means the pads have very little depth left.
  • When you hear a grinding sound as you brake, it means the pads have worn down to where it’s metal against the metal of the rotors.
  • It can take you longer to come to a stop after pressing on the brake pedal when brake pads don’t grip as tightly.
  • You might feel pulses in the pedal when you press on the brake.
  • The vehicle may pull to one side when you apply the brakes.

Your brakes won’t fail to stop the vehicle even when the brake pads wear out. However, you will hear the grinding noises, which let you know that you’re causing damage to the rotors. If you don’t replace the brake pads before this point, you’ll have a costlier repair with pads and rotors.

Let Premier Cadillac of Carlsbad help you stay safe on the road with regular brake pads service. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call in the Service Center to set up a time to come in for service.