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What Are Brake Pads, And How Do They Work?

Brake pads are key to your vehicle's braking system, creating friction to safely slow and stop your car. Typically made of a ceramic or semi-metallic material, the brake pads fit into the caliper, right against the brake disc.

When the brake pedal is pressed, the braking system pushes the brake pads against the brake discs on the wheels. This generates the friction that causes your car to safely slow down or stop.

How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

Since your brake pads are one of the most frequently used parts of your car, they take on a lot of wear and tear. Usually, they’ll need to be replaced around every 20,000-40,000 miles, or every 3-7 years.

This depends on your driving habits, the weight of your car and the condition of the rest of your braking system. The state of your brake pads will be checked during both your annual service and MOT, but it’s important to get them replaced if you notice any signs that they’re reaching the end of their lifespan in the meantime.

How Do You Know When Your Brake Pads Need Replacing?

Recognising the signs of wear and tear in your braking system is essential for your safety and the safety of road users around you. Luckily, your car will start to give you some warning signs for when you’ll need to replace your brake pads;

Screeching or squealing noises
Grinding, metal-on-metal noises
The brake pad wear warning light flashing on your dashboard
Your car veers to one side when braking
Longer stopping distances
Visible thinness when inspecting through your wheel spokes

Handy Brake Pad Terminology

Whether you're new to DIY servicing or just need a refresher, we’ve broken down some key brake pad terms to help you understand your braking system and find the right part you need:

Friction material: The rough material on a brake pad that will make direct contact with the brake disc, typically made of either ceramic, semi-metallic, or organic materials.
Backing plate: The flat, metal plate in a brake pad that supports the friction material and acts as a heat shield.
Shims: These thin metal plates are attached to the backing plate to reduce brake noise and vibrations by creating a barrier between the brake pad and the caliper.
Bedding-in: The process of breaking in new brake pads by conditioning the new pads and brake discs to work together effectively.

Brake Pads FAQs

Can you fail an MOT on brake pads?

The legal limit for brake pads is 1.5mm, and if they are below this while your car is being tested, you will fail your MOT.

Why do my brakes squeak when I brake?

Worn or thinning brake pads are a common culprit behind squeaking brakes, but it could also be a result of cold and wet weather or sticky calipers.

Do all four brake pads need to be the same?

Different brake pads may have different friction consistency, which can affect braking performance. Using the same brake pads can ensure even pressure while driving.

How do I make sure I order the right brake pads for my car?

There are lots of varieties of brake pads, so make sure to check your vehicle’s user manual before you replace them. To guarantee a perfect fit, always use our vehicle registration lookup tool; you’ll only be shown the brake pads that are an exact match for your car's make, model and year.

How many brake pads do I need for my car?

A standard car has 2 brake pads for each wheel, and one set of brake pads comes with 4 brake pads. This is because you need to replace brake pads in sets (either both your vehicle’s front wheels, or both back wheels) at the same time to make sure your car is balanced.

Can I fit new brake pads myself?

Replacing brake pads requires a good level of mechanical knowledge and the correct tools. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to use a qualified mechanic, as it’s critical to your safety and others that your braking system is working correctly.

How can I make my brake pads last longer?

There are several ways for you to maintain the longevity of your brake pads:

Drive responsibly and avoid harsh braking
Reduce excess weight from the boot of your car
Have your brakes inspected regularly and serviced annually
Maintain proper tyre pressure

Fiat Talento Brake Pads

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