The Hidden Dangers of Driving with Worn Brake Pads

Brake pads are one of the most critical components of your vehicle's safety system. They’re designed to wear down over time, but driving with worn brake pads can put you and your passengers at risk. Let’s look at why replacing brake pads promptly is so important.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Worn Brake Pads:

  • Longer Stopping Distance: As brake pads wear, they become less effective at stopping your car quickly. In an emergency, this could make all the difference between a near miss and an accident. With Boulder’s unpredictable weather and winding roads, you need your brakes at their best.
  • Damage to Calipers: Worn brake pads can damage your brake calipers. When the pads wear down too much, the caliper pistons have to extend further to reach the rotor, which can lead to excessive wear and potential damage to the caliper itself, including issues like sticking pistons or rust buildup on the piston seals. When pads are completely worn down, the metal backing plate directly contacts the rotor, causing significant wear and damage to both the rotor and the caliper. 
  • Brake Fade: When your pads are worn out, heat builds up in the braking system more quickly. This can cause "brake fade," where your brakes lose effectiveness the longer you use them, especially during heavy braking. This is particularly dangerous in hilly areas like Boulder.

How to Know When Your Brake Pads Need Replacing:

  • Squealing or grinding noises when you brake
  • A soft or spongy brake pedal
  • Vibrations or pulsating when you brake
  • Increased stopping distance

Stay Safe with Fresh Brake Pads
Don’t wait for a small issue to turn into an expensive repair. Schedule an appointment through our Brake Services page today to have your brake pads inspected and replaced if necessary

1900 55Th St Ste 104 Boulder, Colorado 80301 (303) 442-2932
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