Mechanic On Social Media: Essential Brake pads 101

The past few months have been quite funny for me as a mechanic on social media. It tickles my brain to see individuals joke on factors that revolve around my line of work. While most professions get offended, I find it quite humorous.

Let me be the one to admit that the automotive industry has both cringe and funny moments. Imagine minding your business and someone comes from out of nowhere, yelling “CHANGE THE PADS!” and you just stand there in discomfort, cause what?

For those new to the topic of cars: the brake pads are small, shaped objects that are hidden behind your tires. They hold your wheels when you press the brake pedal, helping you slow down or come to a complete stop. 

How Do They Work?

You might be wondering how your brake pads work; and I’m here to explain this process in simple and manageable words. 

• When you press your brake pedal, hydraulic fluid flows from your master cylinder through small pipes to your brake caliper. Once that fluid successfully reaches the calipers, they squeeze the brake pads against your spinning metal disc(the rotor).

Now, I don’t remember much about science—but from my understanding, the friction caused by this action is kinetic energy that then turns into thermal energy(heat). The heat then helps slow down or stop your vehicle.

Surprisingly, many people don’t know that they’re required to replace their brake pads when they wear out. Heck, they don’t even know they’re supposed to get them checked. 

Let me explain; because this entire process relies on friction to function, your car’s brake pads will wear out over time. And if not replaced on time, they will automatically begin to chew on the disc(the rotor).

When Is It Time To Replace Them?

In most cases, people tend to ignore the signs of failing brake pads till after things get out of control. Hell, they even go on to blame the mechanic on things they could have very much prevented.

Keeping an eye out for these signs might save your relationship with both your car and mechanic(don’t be a skunk by ignoring them):

• Squealing or Grinding Noises: Most modern brake pads have a built-in metal “wear indicator.” When the material of the brake pads begins to thin out, the indicator begins to grind against the rotor(disc), creating a high-pitched “Sssssssqqqqqqqq” screech sound. 

If the sound changes into something deep, and metallic then trust that you need to immediately change your brake pads before you crash into debt, or worse, you get to meet your ancestors.

• Vibration and Delayed Response: Your car will for sure give you a sign when it needs new brake pads. It might shake when you step on the brake pedal, or it might take forever for your car to come to a stop when you step on the pedal.

PAY ATTENTION, VICTOR!

• Pulling on One Side: If your car moves to one side(left or right) when you step on the brakes, then it’s likely only one of your brake pads that is severely worn out. Change both at the same time, before they change your livelihood!

• Dashboard Warning Light: Modern cars have sensors that usually tell when a car is in need of brake changes. Sometimes, the (ABS) sign might be your sign to get them checked.

What To Consider When Ordering your Brake Pads

• Make sure the shop or retailer selling the brake pads has a return policy—good material isn’t always guaranteed. 
• Be sure to get the correct size and design. This is different from that size; you get what you choose in this situation.
• Be warned that material(usually poor) can wear down before the designed timeline. Cheap will get expensive, don’t forget.
• The thickness of material matters, as always;)

Final Thoughts

Your brakes are your car’s most important features. Failure to take care of them might cost you more than money—your life and that of others is at risk. Delayed maintenance isn’t advanced progress—be careful. And most importantly, get a professional to work on your brake pads.