TRUCK/SUV
JEEP
TOWING
WHEELS
TIRES
ATV/UTV
MOTORCYCLE
General Motorcycle
Dirt / Offroad
Street / Sport
Touring / Cruiser
Harley / V-Twin
PROMOS
☰
MENU
813-769-2451
Monday - Friday:
9:00am - 6:00pm EST
813-769-2451
HELP
My Account
Shipping
Tracking
Refunds/Returns
Warranty
Site Policy
About Us
Contact Us
CART
View Cart
Checkout
SEARCH
Close
  
testLogin
Existing Account:
For returning customers, please enter your email and password to log in to your account.
Forgot Password?
Logging-in please wait...
Select Vehicle:
Note: Due to the number of combinations, this feature will not apply to wheel and tire fitments.
Optional:
Extended:
×
Search 4WheelOnline
Articles and Reviews
Truck and SUV Articles and Reviews
Brake Systems Articles and Reviews
How Often Should I Change My Brakes and Brake Pads?
Change Vehicle
Select Vehicle:
Note: Due to the number of combinations, this feature will not apply to wheel and tire fitments.
Optional:
Extended:
How Often Should I Change My Brakes and Brake Pads?
In order to keep drivers safe, car companies do their best to make sure that their
vehicles
have top notch crash ratings. Air bags, seat belts, body design: it’s all part of it. But, drivers need to keep an eye on their car in order to make sure that it’s safe. One of the most important areas concerning safety is
the brake pads
.
Brake pads are an essential element of the disc brake system!
What Are Brake Pads?
Brake pads are a component of the disc brake system. All automobiles sold in the United States use the disc brake system for their front wheels; the front wheels are responsible for 70 percent of the braking power in the automobile.
Disc brake systems use a flat, disk shaped rotor (kind of like a spinning record) that is designed to spin with the wheel. When a driver pushes down on the brakes, a caliper squeezes the
brake pads
against the spinning disc, which slows the wheels by applying pressure from both sides.
The Wear Indicator
Disc brake systems usually include a part known as the
wear indicator
. The wear indicator is a small piece of metal that is connected to the brake pads. The wear indicator only comes into play when the brake pad has been worn down to a certain point. At that time, the wear indicator grinds against the rotor and makes a squealing noise that indicates that is time to have the brakes looked at.
The wear indicator is the key element for informing drivers that their brakes are becoming dull. Drivers should never ignore this sound because dire consequences could follow.
If you're at home working on your truck, look to make sure that the brake lines don't have holes and aren't cracked.
At Home Mechanics
For those that like to take control and work on their own vehicles, there are a few other signs that can let you know your brakes are wearing thin.
The first thing to look for is cracks and holes in your brake line. These can lead to your brakes losing pressure and even failing.
Another thing to take a look at is the fittings. This is where the brakes are sealed. If you see any leaking of brake fluid near the wheel, you will need to identify the leaking area and repair it. If you don’t have the appropriate skills, you will want to contact your local repairman immediately.
No matter your situation or your vehicle, it’s important to keep a look out for these potential warning signs. Usually, brake pads last upwards of ten thousand miles, but always keep a look out for problems.
By: Tim Snyder
Posted on October 7th, 2013
There are no products available for your selected application. Please clear the filter or choose a new application.
Dirt Bike
Dirt Bike Audio/Video
Audio & Video
Helmet Comms
Sport Cameras
Dirt Bike Batteries & Electrical
Batteries & Electrical
Shop All »
Batteries
Battery Chargers
Lights & Lighting
Dirt Bike Body Works
Body Works
Shop All »
Acerbis Bodyworks
BBR Bodyworks
Dirt Bike Control
Controls
Shop All »
Brakes
Grips
Handlebars
Levers
Dirt Bike Drivetrain
Drivetrain
Chains
Clutches
Sprockets
Brakes
Dirt Bike Engine
Engine
Shop All »
Pistons
Bearings
Air/Fuel Management
Repair Manuals
Dirt Bike Exhaust
Exhaust
Shop All »
Bikemaster
FMF Racing
Rush Exhaust
Supertrapp
Two Brothers Racing
Yoshimura
Dirt Bike Garage Accessories
Garage Accessories
Covers
Stands
Trailers
Repair Manuals
Dirt Bike Lighting
Lighting
Shop All »
Lighting
Dirt Bike Luggage
Luggage
Shop All »
Chase Harper
Dowco
First Gear
OGIO Moto
T Bags
Dirt Bike Mirrors
Mirrors
Shop All »
Acerbis
Arlen Ness
Dirt Bike Oil & Chemicals
Oil & Chemicals
Shop All »
Lucas Oil
Motorex
Renthal Lube & Thread Lock
Dirt Bike Seats
Seats
Shop All »
Acerbis
BBR Motorsports
Dirt Bike Security
Security
Shop All »
Bully Locks
Master Lock Security
Xena Security Systems
Dirt Bike Suspension
Suspension
Shop All »
Shock Springs
Fork Springs
Fork Boots
Dirt Bike Wheels & Tires
Wheels & Tires
Shop All Dirt Bike Wheels
BikeMaster
James Gaskets
Xtreme Machine
Dirt Bike Tires
Avon
Bridgestone
Cheng Shin
Continental
Duro
IRC
Kenda
Metzeler Motorcycle Tires
Pirelli
Sedona
Shop All DirtBike Sections
»
Shop All Sections & Brands
Looking for Truck or SUV Aftermarket Brands?
Looking for Jeep Aftermarket Brands?
Looking for ATV / UTV Aftermarket Brands?
Looking for Motorcycle Aftermarket Brands?
Other Sections
Truck and SUV
Towing
Jeep
ATV and UTV
View All Motorcycle Products
Dirt - Offroad
Street - Sport
Touring - Cruiser
Harley - V-Twin
Account Information
Promos & Specials
Truck Articles & Reviews
Privacy Policy
My Account
Returns
Warranty Info
Tracking Info
Price Quotes / Match