• Squeaking or squealing brakes — caused by wear indicators rubbing on the rotor, signaling low brake pad thickness 

• Grinding or growling noise — metal-on-metal contact; pads worn through to the backing plate 

• Reduced braking performance or increased stopping distance — worn pads reduce friction, increasing stopping time 

• Vibrating or pulsating brake pedal — from uneven pad wear or warped rotors causing shaking on brake application 

• Visible pad wear (< ¼″ / ~6 mm) — inspect through wheel spokes; thin friction material indicates replacement

• Most brake pads last 30,000–70,000 miles, depending on driving style, vehicle, and pad quality

• Visual inspection recommended every 5,000 miles, and a professional brake check at least annually

• Look for rotor grooves, cracks, glazing, or warping—can cause vibration and uneven braking 

• Persistent squealing or grinding after changing pads means rotor damage 

• Brake pedal pulsation is often due to rotor warping—may need resurfacing or replacement

• Brake fluid is hydraulic; transmits pedal force to brake mechanics

• It’s hygroscopic—absorbs moisture, lowering boiling point and risking brake fade 

• Recommended fluid replacement every 2 years or ~30,000 miles, or sooner in extreme conditions

• Soft or spongy brake pedal, sinking to the floor under pressure

• Brake fluid leaks near the master cylinder or under the vehicle

• Dashboard brake warning lights illuminated

• Uneven braking performance or pulling — immediate inspection needed

Most mechanics recommend changing brake pads every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, but it depends on:

• Driving habits

• Road conditions

• Brake pad material (ceramic vs semi-metallic)

If you frequently drive in urban traffic, you’ll likely wear out your brake pads faster than someone who mainly drives on open highways.

Brake pads apply pressure to your car's rotors (or discs) to slow down or stop your vehicle. They are key to:

• Stopping distance

• Vehicle control

• Avoiding brake failure

• Driver and passenger safety

Worn brake pads increase the risk of accidents, especially in stop-and-go traffic, wet road conditions, or emergency braking situations.

When you let brake pads wear down too far, you risk:

• Increased stopping distance

• Brake rotor damage

• Total brake system failure

• Higher repair costs

• Increased risk of accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), brake-related problems are one of the top mechanical causes of car accidents.