Your vehicle’s brakes are one of its most essential components, and whether you’re setting out on a road trip or just to run errands around town, you definitely want them to be in perfect working condition! This is why it’s important to know what signs to look out for that will let you know when it’s time to head down to your local Kia dealer and get them to inspect and replace your Kia’s brake pads. Here are some common signs to look out for!
Advice From Your Kia Dealer: 5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Kia’s Brake Pads
1. Your Brakes Make a Squealing Sound When you Use Them
It’s normal for your brakes to make a certain amount of noise in some weather, like rain, but if you’re hearing consistent squealing or screeching sounds when you apply the brakes, it’s probably time to get them replaced. In fact, in recent years, many brakes have been designed with built-in wear indicators on them that will emit a squealing noise consistently, even when you’re not pressing the brake pedal, as a sign to the driver that it’s time for new pads for your brakes!
2. The Brake Pedal Vibrates When You Apply the Brakes
If you’ve noticed that your vehicle’s brake pedal has started vibrating when you push down on it, it’s a sign that your pads have worn out and are no longer making good, consistent contact with the rotors. This is definitely a sign that you should be getting your pads changed as soon as possible, as a vibrating brake pedal is a sign that your brakes could be compromised and may not be as trustworthy as you need them to be when you’re on the road.
3. You Can Hear a Grinding, Metallic Sound
If you can hear a rumbling, grinding sound coming from your brakes, there’s a chance that your brakes are worn out to the point that the backing plate that they rest on is actually making contact with the rotor of your brakes. If this is the case, there’s very little braking material left on your pads, and it’s definitely time to get them looked at and replaced!
4. You Can See There’s Less Than a Quarter of an Inch of Pad Left
You may not always be able to visually check the status of your brakes, but in situations where you can get a look at them (while changing your tires, for example, or by looking down through the spokes of your rims on certain wheels) you can tell if your brakes need replacing by checking to see if they are at least a quarter of an inch thick. Any thinner than that and it’s probably time for new pads for your brakes!
5. It Takes Longer for Your Brakes to Respond
If you are noticing that bringing your car to a complete stop is taking more time and more distance than it used to, this is a good sign that you should be replacing your brakes sooner rather than later: worn pads that are affecting your brakes’ performance to this extent can put you at risk by diminising your vehicle’s ability to respond quickly to situations on the road.
Have you been noticing any of these signs of worn brakes, or just want to give them a routine inspection to make sure? Then come on down and visit us at Crain Kia of Fort Smith today, and our team of skilled mechanics will look after all your braking needs!
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