You don’t need United Diesel Repair to tell you how important your vehicle’s brakes are; you know how important they are. One of the easiest and least expensive ways to extend the life of your brakes is to replace the brake pads when they need it. We can do that on your diesel car, van, or truck. Today’s brake pads are designed to let you know when they need replacing. Aside from keeping an eye on your mileage, most pads should be changed every 30,000 miles on average; here are three signs it’s time for new brake pads on your diesel-powered automobile.
Squealing at High Speeds
Cleverly, some brake pad manufacturers install an alert in the pads so they will make noise while you’re driving to let you know your brake pad surface is getting too low. Suppose you’ve noticed that your vehicle squeals lately when you reach higher speeds. It could be that the pads have worn down to the alert, and it’s time to replace them. You will hear the squeal when the vehicle is in motion, and it will stop when you step on the brake pedal.
Brake Light Comes On
In newer brake pads, a chip is installed in the pad material to turn on the dashboard brake light once it’s time to replace the brake pads. Your brake light should not turn on unless you have the parking brake set. If it comes on while you’re driving or when you depress the brake pedal to slow down and stop your car, something is wrong with the pads or brake system. It’s often the sensor built into the pads letting you know the pad material is too low.
Grinding When You Stop
If your brake pads are already worn down, you will hear grinding when you slow down and stop your automobile. This is because the steel backing of the pads is rubbing against the metal rotors. This sound is not only annoying; it’s also signaling that your pads need to be replaced right now. If you ignore the grinding noise, the metal-on-metal contact will ruin your brake system rotors, so don’t put the repair off for too long. You’ll only end up paying more money to replace the rotors, too.
Call United Diesel in Flowery Branch, GA, for a brake inspection. We service all types of diesel automobiles, and we’d be happy to replace your pads if they need it. Call us today.