Brake Pads Service Near Ottawa, KS

View of a service tech inspecting a brake pad on a vehicle

Brake Pads Service at Victory Chevrolet

Your brake pads are necessary to help your vehicle stop when you press on the brakes. Brake pads take a lot of heat and friction, causing them to wear out over time. If you live in or around Emporia, Paola, or Lawrence, you can get quality brake pad service at Victory Chevrolet.

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The Purpose of Your Vehicle’s Brake Pads

When you depress the brake pedal, there is fluid in the system that creates hydraulic pressure in the brake lines and hoses. This pressure pushes a piston in the brake caliper that is located on the knuckle of the brake. This knuckle then is extended around a brake rotor. When you push your brake pedal, this causes the knuckle to push an inboard and outboard brake pad affixed to the brake caliper to press against the flat side of the rotor. There is a friction material on the brake pads that ultimately squeezes against the rotor to slow the wheels down.

It’s easy to see the amount of friction that is caused when you apply your brakes and eventually, your brake pads wear down and need to be replaced. Different brake pad materials have different lifespans, but they will eventually wear out. For your safety and the safety of others on the road, the pads must be replaced when they’re worn. If the pads are worn off entirely, the metal against metal from the calipers squeezing the rotor can damage the rotors and lead to more costly repairs down the road.

Types of Brake Pads

All brake pads have a metal base, a sort of backing plate to which the friction material on your brake pads is bonded to, but some materials will last longer than others depending on the thickness and the type of material. Most brake pads have 8/32 inches to 12/32 inches of friction material, but when any of them are worn down to 3/32-inch they need to be replaced. Any lower and it may begin to damage calipers, rotors, or both. Generally, there are three types of brake pads you can get:

  • Organic or non-metallic pads: These pads have a blend of man-made materials like aramid, sintered glass, or cellulose and other compounds in various quantities. These pads are quiet and somewhat soft, so they are easier on the rotors, though because of this they also have a shorter lifespan.
  • Semi-metallic pads: Made with a combination of metals like iron, steel, and copper mixed with non-metallic compounds like graphite and different fillers, they last longer, but they are harder on the rotors and can be noisy at times.
  • Ceramic pads: Most people consider these to be the best brake pads, because they have a longer life, and they are fairly easy on the rotors. They are made with combined elements like clay and porcelain with copper fibers, so they are also quieter.

Signs That Your Brake Pads Need Replacement

Here are some signs that you need brake pads replaced:

  • Squealing when slowing or stopping
  • Grinding when driving or braking
  • Longer stopping distances
  • Grooves visible on the rotor surfaces
  • Pulsations in the pedals
  • Pulling to one side when you slow or stop

If you have noticed any of these signs, contact us and set up an appointment with our Service Center or schedule an appointment online. Let Victory Chevrolet take care of your brake problems and get you back on the road safely.