Does Your Car Need Brake Pad Replacement? Don’t worry! Oceanworks Berkeley can help you with all kinds of brake pad issues! Most car owners don’t give as much importance as they should to maintaining the brake pads of their cars. In reality, brake pads are one of the most important parts that help your brake work well. If you want to ensure a safe driving experience, then it's essential that you check how well your brake is functioning. But how do you know if your brake pads need to be replaced? Let's take a look at some of the key indicators that can help determine this. Signs Your Brake Pads Need Replacement Here are a few signs that can tell you that you need to replace your brake pads. Squealing Sounds If you hear a squealing sound from the brake pads, then that means that the brake discs and rotors are damaged. This usually happens when you haven't gotten the brake pads replaced in a long time, leading them to become extremely worn out. If you hear a grinding noise, then that's even worse! Upon examining, a professional can guide you about what exactly is responsible for the source of the sound. Delaying might lead to even costlier repairs later on. Vibration When Braking If your brake pads are contaminated with oil or any other substance, then you will feel the pedals vibrating. If this happens once in a while, then you don't need to worry. However, if you experience frequent vibrations when you hit the brake, this is a sign that there is something wrong. Your brake pads might be worn out here, or they may be contaminated with dirt and oil. Longer Time to Halt Ideally, your car should come to a halt as soon as you hit the brake. If it takes much longer, then you need to get the brake pads inspected. This usually occurs when the brake fluid is low due to a leak. Car brakes work on hydraulic pressure, which means that they need liquid to function. That is why a leak can cause them to not function properly, and hence the car takes a long time to come to a halt. Thinner Brake Pads If you look at your brake pads, and they seem to be thinner than usual,  this indicates they have undergone significant wear and tear over time. Ideally, your car's brake pads should be over 6.4mm thick. In the case that they are thinner, they need to be replaced. Brake Pad Light Indicator is On If the brake system light comes on, this could hint at two problems. Either your car is low on hydraulic fluid, or the parking brake is engaged. This is really scary since it can even lead to your brakes failing. Where Can You Find the Best Brake Pad Replacement Services in Berkeley, CA? Oceanworks Berkeley offers brake pad replacement services and other auto repair solutions.