Front Brake Pad Replacement Should Occur Regularly

Brake pads need regular replacement, with intervals affected by pad material and your driving habits. Ceramic brake pads, for instance, may last longer than organic ones. Consult your car’s manual for replacement guidelines. You should get brakes inspected twice per year and replace brake pads when they:

• Wear down to a specific thickness (check the manual for details)
• Reach 40,000-50,00 miles
• Show damage from a collision or other mishap
• Behave oddly (can be a sign of early failure)

Brake pads that make odd sounds, smells, or vibrations, or don’t slow your car as quickly as before, are a red flag.

Front Brake Pad Replacement is Not a DIY Job

Although some car owners perform basic maintenance themselves, you shouldn’t try this with brakes. Front brake pad replacement is a job for trained professionals. Certified technicians can provide a high-quality replacement and inspect brakes for damage such as:

• Scratching or pitting on the rotor
• Stuck calipers or other caliper issues
• Low brake fluid

Typical brake pad replacement involves raising the front of the car, removing the tire, and switching out the brake pad, then completing inspections and putting the tire back. But sometimes, a seemingly simple job requires additional repairs or troubleshooting.