How to Fix Worn Out Brake Pads

When you drive your car, worn out brake pads might not be the kind of thing that’s constantly on your mind. You might know that you have to change your brake pads every so often, but you might not know why you should do so and how often to change brake pads.
 
Ensuring your car is in top operational shape all the time is imperative. Not only does this protect you by keeping your car in good working order, but it also protects those around you.
 
Changing brake pads regularly also helps you keep costs down by properly maintaining your vehicle. Brake pads come in various materials, from metallic to ceramic to composite. No matter what type of brake pads your car has, you’ll need to replace car brakes occasionally.
 
So, why do you have to change your brake pads and when should you change worn out brake pads?
 

Why You Need to Change Worn Out Brake Pads

You might think brake pads will last the life of the vehicle, but this isn’t the case. The brake pads in your car will become worn over time and have to be changed periodically. This is important for many reasons:
 

Brake Pad Material is Diminished Every Time You Use Your Car

It’s surprising to think about your brake pads losing their effectiveness. However, every time you drive your car, the brake pad material lessens by a small amount. With this in mind, the more often you drive your car, the more wear your brake pads will see.
 
If you use your car only on occasion, you might not be putting as much wear and tear on the brake pads compared to other drivers who use their automobile more often.
 

Worn Out Brake Pads Reduce Your Ability to Stop

When you have worn out brakes, this reduces your ability to stop as effectively. You’ll need more lead time to brake and stop completely when your brake pads are worn. Also, the effectiveness of the braking overall will be diminished.
 
You want to make sure your brake pads are replaced when they need to be so you can brake efficiently while driving.
 

Inefficient Brake Pads Can Lead to Accidents

If you’re driving with worn down brake pads, your inability to stop properly can lead to accidents. You might rear-end the car in front of you in traffic, which is one of the most common car accidents, or not be able to stop when you reach a stop sign or red light.
 
These accidents can lead to serious injuries and property damage. Therefore, it’s important to properly maintain the brakes in your car and get front brake and rear brake replacements on a periodic basis.
 

The Insured Receives Their Payment

If your claim is approved, you’ll receive payment for the amount of the loss as determined by the insurance company. Depending on what the insurance claim entailed, you might receive the payment or the insurance company might send it directly to any vendors involved in the loss, such as a car mechanic.
 

When You Should Change Worn Out Brake Pads

Now that you know why you should replace worn out brake pads, you need to know when to replace these car parts. The answer is it depends.
 
Here are some ways to tell if it’s time to replace your brake pads, no matter how much brake pads cost:

• Your car has a brake pad sensor and the notification light comes on which means it’s time for car brakes repair
• You hear squealing and screeching noises when driving and braking or you find the car brakes shaking
• You hear a grinding sound when hitting the brake pedal
• The mechanic tells you your brake pads are worn when they’re checked during an oil change (and tell you the changing brakes cost)
• The brake pads have reached their service limit, which is approximately 0.1 inch (if you’re wondering what do worn out brakes look like)

How Car Insurance Can Protect You If Your Brakes Fail

Even with the best intentions of replacing worn out brake pads when needed, accidents can still occur. This is where car insurance plays an important role.
 
When you have an auto insurance policy in place, you can rest easy knowing that if you get into an accident, whether it’s a minor one or a total loss, you’ll be protected. By enrolling in auto insurance, others around you who may be injured or have damage done to their car will also be covered.

Now’s the perfect time to explore your car insurance options. Contact Access Auto Insurance to learn more about the different insurance plans and obtain your quote today!

Have questions about coverage or policies? Give our helpful insurance agents a call anytime at 888.449.0171.