Brake pads
Blocks of friction material that press against the brake discs to slow the car, and wear down as they do.
In plain English
Most cars stop using disc brakes: a metal disc, called a rotor, spins with each wheel, and a clamp called a caliper sits over it. Brake pads are the replaceable blocks inside that clamp, each one a layer of hard-wearing friction material on a metal backing plate. When you press the brake pedal, the caliper squeezes the pads against the rotor, and the rubbing slows the wheel. A little of the friction material wears away every time you brake, so pads are made to be replaced.
Why it's on your estimate
A shop recommends new pads when the friction material has worn thin, which they can measure during an inspection. Signs you may notice include a high-pitched squeal when braking, which often comes from a small metal tab built into the pad to warn you it is getting low, a brake warning light on cars that have pad wear sensors, the car taking longer to stop, or a harsh grinding noise.
How urgent is it?
Fix soon
Pads that are getting thin but still have material left usually give you a little time to plan the work, though braking gets weaker as they wear, so do not put it off for long. It becomes a do-not-wait repair if you hear grinding or the car is clearly taking longer to stop, because pads worn down to the metal stop the car poorly and damage the rotors.
Questions to ask the shop
- How much pad material is left on each wheel, and what is the minimum for my car?
- Can you show me the pads and the condition of the rotors?
- Are the pads wearing evenly, and if not, what is causing it?
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