3 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Chevy Brake Pads

Brake pads are a crucial component of your vehicle’s braking system. They are positioned inside the calipers, and when you press the brake pedal, pressurized brake fluid forces the calipers to press against the rotors. This creates friction, slowing down your wheels and bringing your car to a stop. At Turner Chevrolet, we want to ensure that your vehicle remains safe and reliable, which is why we’ve outlined some key signs that it’s time to replace your brake pads.

1. Illuminated Brake Pad Warning Light

Your Chevrolet’s dashboard may feature a brake pad warning light—typically shown as a circle within dotted brackets. This light illuminates when one or more of your brake pads has worn down and requires replacement. A healthy brake pad typically has a 1/2-inch-thick layer of friction material. Over time, this material wears down as it generates friction to stop the wheels. When the material thickness drops to 1/4 inch, your braking distance increases, and you may notice reduced performance. Sensors detect this, triggering the brake pad warning light. Once the pads are replaced, the light will turn off.

2. Unusual Screeching or Grinding Noises

If you hear loud, high-pitched screeching noises when braking, it’s likely an indication that your brake pads are worn out. As the friction material on the pads wears away, manufacturers often insert a small metal indicator that causes the screeching sound when it makes contact with the rotor. If you continue driving without replacing the pads, the material will wear away completely, leaving the metal backing of the pads to grind against the rotor. This can cause serious damage to both the pads and the rotors, so it’s best to address the issue as soon as possible. Our technicians at Turner Chevrolet can replace the worn pads and resurface the rotors if necessary to restore optimal braking performance.

3. Glazed or Smooth Brake Pads

If your brake pads develop a smooth, shiny surface, known as glazing, they may no longer provide adequate friction. Glazing happens when the brake pads remain in partial contact with the rotor for too long, causing excessive heat that melts the friction material. This is often a sign of a damaged caliper or other brake system components. Glazed brake pads can significantly reduce braking efficiency, making it more difficult to stop your car safely. If you notice this issue, our service team at Turner Chevrolet can quickly replace your glazed pads to ensure your safety.

When it’s time for new brake pads, don’t hesitate to visit our service department at Turner Chevrolet in Crosby, TX. Our expert technicians are ready to help keep your Chevrolet in top condition!

Tags: car brake service, Chevy Brake services in crosby tx, when is it time to replace my car brakes
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