The braking system on your car is one of the most important safety systems in your car. Most braking systems in standard vehicles consist of brake pads behind each wheel that clamp down on a round disc of metal called a rotor causing the car to slow or stop.
Your brakes will signal that it’s time for them to be changed with a screech/squeal that signifies their life is coming to an end, if you ignore the warning, it can affect your wallet and your safety.
Worn brakes make a distinct sound when they need to be replaced. The screeching or squeaking won’t go away until you replace them. Sometimes, if you wait too long, the sound can turn into a grinding or a grumble and vibration
The metal-on-metal contact is the sounds that you are hearing. Brake pads wear down as they’re used, and once there is no pad left, the caliper that (holds the brake pads) rubs against the rotor (part of the brake pads that clamps down on when the brake is pressed) causing the sound. The sound will usually get worse over time, and worn-out brake pads will eventually turn into a grinding or grumbling, which is the sound of the rotor being damaged.
Many factors can affect how often your vehicle’s brakes will need to be changed such as the size and type of the vehicle, road conditions, how you drive, driving frequency, and quality of brake pads in use all play a part in how long your brake pads last.
The cost to have your brakes changed can vary greatly among vehicles. Higher quality brake pads will generally last longer than a low-cost brake pad. If the rotors on your vehicle are worn or damaged, they may need to be replaced and can increase the cost of the brake job
The best way to save on costly brake repairs is to have brake issues attended to as soon as they are discovered. By getting regular brake inspections and listening closely to the sounds your car makes, or doesn’t make when you press the brakes. You can avoid costly repairs and drive safely.
