By Wil Yeo of Avanigroup.com

Braking system often fail because of the car owner’s neglect. Even a Formula One car racer would not be able stop his car if it has a worn brake pads.

It is very important that the brakes maintain an “optimum friction pad depth”. This is to make sure that the braking system works effectively and is on its excellent performance. In short, you need to change your brake pads on a periodic basis to ensure optimal performance of your car.

Followings are some tips and ideas on how and when to change your front brake pads. Why the front brake pads, you ask? This is because about 95% of the brake pads that you will change during the life of your car would be coming from the front pads.

You can view the brake pads wear from the outside the front tire. You can also check it through the opening on the side of the rim assembly to see the pads. The pad is pressed against the metal rotor. However, on some cars, you may need to remove the wheel in order to see the pads.

Two Ways To Determine If The Pads Need To Be Replaced

You need to replace the pad soon if the pad depth is less than one fourth of an inch. You will most likely to damage the rotor if the pad depth is less than one eight of an inch. This is due to possible uneven wear and tear and could result in metal to metal rubbing and thus the damage to the rotor. 

Another way to determine if the pads need to be replaced is if you hear a noise from the shims into the brake assembly. You will hear a screeching sound if you try to apply your brakes. However, if the noise is more of a scraping metal, then most likely the rotors of your car were already damaged.

The rule for maintaining a good brake system is to replace the parts that need replacing. Sooner, the better. This will save you from unsafe driving and potentially more expensive repairs in the future.

Once you have determined if your brake pads need replacing, you need to find a cool and safe place to park. Once you have parked your car, you need to make sure that the rear wheels are blocked to make sure that the car would not roll as you try to jack it up.
 
Before jacking it up, make sure that you have set the parking brake firmly. You need a tire iron or a spanner to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel. Once they loosen their resistance, it will be easy for you to turn them off.

The next step is to put your jack stands under each end of the car’s axle. Always remember to put the jack stand when you work on an elevated vehicle as it is only held by a hydraulic jack.

Again, relining your brake is very important because nothing is important than to your car’s ability to stop. Knowing your car’s braking system empowers you and gives you the idea on when to go to your mechanical personnel.

Remember, power without control is dangerous. Drive Safe.

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