A good braking system is incomplete without good brake pads. When you press brake pedals, the pads get pressed on the rotors and produce friction. Due to this friction, your vehicle slows down and eventually comes to a complete stop. 

Since, you have to use your brake pads frequently, they get worn out after some time. According to FrontechChina – Brake Pads Supplier, there’s no hard and fast rule when you should change your brake pads. However, it’s important that you observe whether or not they’re providing the same consistent performance after several years. How long the brake pads of your vehicle last also depends on a number of other relevant factors. For instance, the type of vehicle, how often you drive and the type of your chosen brake pad material, etc.

While worn brake pads are not ranked in the top 5 reasons of fatal car accidents, it’s still important for drivers to be aware of the dangers of driving with damaged brakes. 

Before highlighting the dangers of driving with bad or worn brake pads, first have a quick look at some of the signs you can watch out for to know if your brakes are going bad.

Worn Brake Pad Symptoms

Screeching Sounds

If you observe some kind of squealing or screeching sound when you step on the brake pedal, this could mean you have worn brake pads. When you use your brake pads for several years, they build up a lot of dust and grime and will start to screech each time you use the pads.

Warning Light

When you have bad brake pads, you’ll see an illuminating warning light on the dashboard. While this indication doesn’t always show the damage, but it definitely let you know that there is some problem with your braking system. 

Slower Brakes

Bad or worn brake pads won’t be able to exert enough friction to slow down the car quickly. This could also cause a fatal accident if you don’t get the required brake response.

The Dangers of Driving with Bad or Worn Brake Pads

Accidents

No matter how good your driving skills are, worn brake pads increase the duration it takes your vehicle to slow down or stop. This situation can get even worse when those damaged brake linings come in contact with wet roads.

Elevated Repair Costs

Worn brakes not only put your safety at risk, but you may have to bear increased repair costs as well. For instance, if you don’t change your worn brake pads in time, your brake rotor linings may warp and cost you hefty in terms of replacement costs.

Hitting Pedestrians

Even if your driving skills are top-notch, if a passerby or a pedestrian rushes into your path, perfectly working brakes are obviously your only hope. If your brake pads are bad or worn, you would not be able to stop your car in required time and may unintentionally cause a harm. 

Fortunately, you can easily avoid the dangers of driving with worn brake pads by getting routine checks and expert assessment. Make sure you take immediate action if you notice any warning signs.