Brake Pad Replacement
Brake Pad Replacement in Tewksbury, MA
What You Need to Know
When you think about your vehicle’s performance, gas mileage, or towing capacity, you should also be thinking about brake health. You can’t focus on your car’s 0-60 mph if you don’t also consider that you need to be able to bring it back to a complete stop. Brake pad wear is inevitable given their constant use and it is important given the function they serve. It doesn’t matter whether you are braking gently around a curve or practicing an emergency stop to avoid a collision, brakes wear down on a daily basis. That’s why Jim Boudreau’s Automotive Service Center is here to help drivers in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Brake pads, unlike a noisy burst tire, have a different way of letting you know when they are losing their effectiveness. Below are some indicators any car owner should know that could be signs of failing brake pad health.
Braking Performance Self-Check
Brake pads are some of the least visible yet most important elements of your vehicle. Just because you cannot see them to inspect them regularly, doesn’t mean you can’t tell if it’s time to replace your brake pads. Here are three signs to look out for in your vehicle:
- First, has your car begun making noise when you brake? Any high-pitched whines or whistles could indicate that the brake pads are worn to a smoother texture and the sliding motion is creating a noise.
- Second, do you feel any vibration while you are braking? Does your car tend to veer to either side during a prolonged break? Another side effect of smoothing brake pads is a skidding sensation as the brakes slide and catch along the surface. This means the brake is not gaining any traction and is not effectively stopping your vehicle.
- Finally, and probably most obviously, is your vehicle taking longer to slow down? Are you having to apply more pressure on the brake pedal to come to a complete stop? Poor braking ability means your brake pads are in poor condition. Any one of these indicators is enough of a concern that you should have your brakes checked for possible replacements. Use our online book system or call our front office to make an appointment today: (978) 658-2120
Consult the Experts
With speed comes great responsibility, the responsibility of stopping safely. Our experience drag racing has made it abundantly clear how important brakes are to the overall safety of your vehicle and its ride. Whether you noticed any of the indicators above of poor break health, or you are in for your regularly scheduled maintenance, raise any concerns you have with us. Our technicians can also help you identify any poor driving habits that might be causing your brakes to wear more quickly. With city driving, between stopping for lights or in traffic, your brakes are experiencing more wear than driving at highway speeds. Some drivers tend to ride the brake while inching forward in traffic, and this is a harmful practice to your brake pads. If you are ever unsure about the condition of your brake pads, come into Jim Boudreau’s Automotive Service Center at 2184 Main Street in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, to speak with any of our technicians about your concerns.