How Do You Know When Brake Pads Need Changing?

Knowing the signs of brake pads and rotors going bad is critical for driving safety.  Not only will you be saving money on brake repair, but you may potentially be preventing an accident caused by failing brakes.  But how do you know when brake pads need changing?   

You may be wondering just what are brake pads and what happens when they wear out?  A vital component of the brake system, brake pads are located between the brake shoe and the brake drum.  Every time you engage your brakes, the friction created causes minute amounts of wear and tear. Over time, this deterioration starts to add up and the pads, as well as the brake rotors,  will become thinner and thinner. 

How do you know when brake pads need changing? 

• Screeching noise -- This sound is caused by a small, metallic shim indicator that’s embedded in the brake pad for this purpose.  A thin layer of dust on the pads can cause a very similar screeching sound, but it will go away when using the brakes.
• Less than ¼” of Brake Pad -- Visually check the brake pads by looking through the tire spokes. If the pads are less than ¼ inch thick, it may be time to replace them.
• Metallic Grinding and Growling -- This can be a sign that not only are your brake pads worn away but that your brake discs and calipers are making contact. This metal on metal contact can cause even further brake damage.
• Warning Lights -- Some vehicles have an indicator light on the dashboard that will signal when it’s time to replace the brake pads. Inspect your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle comes equipped with the low-paid warning system.

Brake pads can normally last between 30,000-35,000 miles—varying from vehicle to vehicle and from driver to driver. For example, if you drive mostly in urban areas or in heavy traffic, you’ll be using your brakes a lot more frequently than someone who drives in rural locations or on open highways. Some people also tend to “ride the brake”, wearing out the pads and brake rotors faster than usual.

Are you wondering how do you know when brake pads need changing?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about brake pads and brake rotors and to schedule a brake service.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.

What is the Average Life of a Car Battery?

That little black box under the hood is like the heart of your vehicle--if it is starting to wear out, your car doesn't have the power to start, move, or power any of the electrical accessories.  Did you know that one of the most common reasons for road-side assistance calls is a dead battery?

So you ask, “What is the average life of a car battery?”  With usual driving conditions, car batteries will become worn down and inefficient around the 3-year mark.  Car batteries work just like a cell-phone battery--with every charge, it becomes less efficient.   If your battery is four or five years old, it may be almost totally unreliable.

Weak batteries will have a negative effect on the auto electrical system, such as headlights, power windows, etc.  The stop-start technology in newer vehicles could also be negatively affected as engines that are designed to automatically switch off when at a standstill place a greater strain on batteries than standard vehicles. 

It’s possibly time for a car battery replacement if you are noticing any of the signs below:

1. The engine won’t start even though you hear it cranking. 
2. You turn the key in the starter but nothing happens.
3. Your vehicle may start randomly one day and not the next.  

The car battery should be on your maintenance checklist, just like changing the oil, air filter, tires rotation, and windshield wipers.  Many new vehicles have powerful computers that are operating all the time, even when the vehicle is parked and switched off, drawing energy from the battery at a slow, steady rate. 

Here are a few things to inspect if you are having starting issues:  

1. Battery terminals and cables may be loose, broken, corroded, or calcified, 
2. The fluid level in the terminals may be too low,
3. An electrical current is drawing power from the battery even when the car is turned off,
4. The starter is going bad,
5. The alternator is going bad.

If you are starting to wonder if it’s time for a car battery replacement, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.