Vehicle parts tend to wear out over the years. A very important aspect to delay this inevitable action is to carry out exhaustive maintenance of the vehicle, which will allow, in addition to obtaining greater driving safetyyou save a few euros throughout the year. There are parts that are very important to achieve good driving and enviable conditions, such as the brake pads.
Changing brake pads, as we stated above, is an essential part of the maintenance process. However, many users don’t really know how important they are and let them “die”, regardless of the future consequences. Below we will detail everything related to this element.
What are brake pads?
Brake pads are a fundamental part of the braking system, as the name suggests, of a vehicle and are used to create the friction necessary to to slow down or stop the vehicle. Likewise, they are made of a friction material (usually composed of a mixture of metals, resins and other materials) that is attached to a metal base.
When you press the pedal, the cylinder transmits hydraulic pressure to the brake calipers, which will be responsible for pushing the pads against the brake discs and thus stop the vehicle. These can be classified according to the friction material they use, and there are several types:
- organic pills: They are made of materials such as resins, rubber and fibers. They are smoother and quieter, but tend to wear out more quickly than metal pads. They are ideal for normal driving and in light vehicles.
- Metallic or semi-metallic pads: They contain metallic particles (usually copper, iron or steel) in their friction material. They are more durable and withstand higher temperatures, but they can generate more noise and dust. They are very effective for heavier vehicles or for sporty driving.
- Ceramic pads: They are made of a mixture of ceramic materials and fibers. They are very quiet, produce less dust, and last longer than organic pads, although they are generally more expensive. They are also more effective at high temperatures and under extreme braking conditions.
How do you know if brake pads are worn?
Brake pads do not have a fixed lifespan, as their lifespan depends on many factors, such as driving style, climate, vehicle weight, and pad type. However, they generally need to be replaced within an estimated time of 30,000 to 70,000 kilometersalthough this situation may vary. Next, we will tell you about some of the sensations that tell us that the “last hour” for brake pads is near.
First of all, for its noise. Hearing a grinding or buzzing sound when braking may indicate that your pads have a wear indicator. If you feel vibrations when brakingthis may be a sign of uneven pad wear. Finally, if you have to press harder on the brake pedal to slow or stop the car, the pads are likely worn and will need to be replaced. It is therefore important carry out periodic examinations to ensure that said element is in good condition and guarantee good safety when driving.
How much does it cost to change brake pads?
The price of changing brake pads can vary depending on several factors, such as the model of your vehicle, the quality of the brake pads, your location and whether you do it in a specialist workshop or at a dealership. official. If the item in question comes from a standard modelthe full game would be priced between 30 and 100 euros. On the other hand, if the model is high end It would increase to 90 or 225 euros, depending on the type of brand and the material chosen.
On the other hand, the work of the mechanic must be taken into account. Under normal conditions, change the brake pads may take 1-2 hours and the cost of the worker can vary between 30 and 100 euros, depending on the workshop and especially the place where you are making the modification.
Moreover, it is vital importance Check if it is only necessary to change the pads or if the brake discs also need to be replaced, as in some cases this can increase the already mentioned price.
What can happen if I don’t change the brake pads?
The fact of not to change out of time brake pads can cause several serious problems, both for the safety of the driver and for the health of the vehicle, in addition to increasing the cost of replacing the element itself.
- Loss of braking ability
- Excessive wear of brake discs
- Increased noise while driving
- The brake system can be damaged by overheating.
- You will be in danger in emergency situations.
- You will have a greater number of vibrations in the brake pedal
- The price of the repair will be much higher in the long run
