Top 3 Signs and Symptoms of Bad Brake Pads

Worried of bad brake pads?

So this week, am going to talk about brakes, most people ask me how can they know if their brake pads are worn out, also how they differentiate between a good and bad brake pads.

Besides, I will be focusing on the signs and symptoms on bad brake pads. To learn more about why your car brake squeaks, then check out this guide as most people also mail me asking me about it.

Although, the main purpose of a brake is to covert kinetic energy to heat energy. They also known as the main stoppage of a vehicle in motion.

Brakes helps stop a moving vehicle. It must also retard its motion and hold it stationary. In automotive, there are two main types of brakes,

  • Drum and Disc

Both types use a fixed(non-rotating) shoe or pad which rubs against a moving drum or disc.

A then friction material is attach to the fixed part to increase the friction between the rubbing surfaces.

Cool, let get more insights on basic components of brakes.

Basic Components of Brakes

Brake Pads

Brake pad is a curved steel pressing reinforced with a strong web and lined friction material. They are either moulded or woven. They help to slow down your vehicle.

Brake Calipers

Brake caliper is a device fixed or mounted on the carrier hub. Its made of a piston which helps to compress the brake pads to slow the movement of a vehicle.

Brake Rotors

Brake rotors are design to turn motion, that is from kinetic energy to thermal energy. They are circular shape with large surfaces and connected to each wheel.

Brake Pedal

Brake pedal can be found inside the vehicle under the steering column. They help apply pressure to the brake pads, by pressuring the brake fluid in the brake lines to compress the piston inside the brake caliper.

Brake Lines

Brake lines serves a route in supplying brake fluid from the reservoir  to the brake caliper on each wheel. They help in pressuring the piston of the brake caliper to easily compress the brake pads in other to slow the motion of a moving vehicle.

Symptoms of Worn Brake Pads

Now we have been able to get a clear concept on brakes and its components, lets dive deep to learn more about the signs and symptoms of bad or worn out brake pads.




Moreover, Its advisable to go for a quick skim on your rotor disc. You are then also prompt to change your brake pad after skimming your brake rotor disc.

Make sure you go in for a good brand of brake pads to avoid future vibrations or damage.


Your car brake squeak as you apply the brake pedal. This noise is caused from worn out or bad brake pads on your vehicle.

Besides, brake squeaks can also lead to bad rotor disc, damage anti-rattle clips and lack of pad insulation.

Kindly have your vehicle check by a qualified technician to save you from unforeseen damage.

Lack of stopping power

Lack of stopping power is basically known as the vehicle not having sufficient torque on the brakes. You will notice that your vehicle takes longer time to stop than usually, whenever your apply the brakes, its a sign of bad brake pads.

As modern braking systems become increasingly complex mainly on commercial vehicles, a good understanding of their correct operation is necessary.

Faults and diagnostics are to be verified quickly and efficiently, get in touch with a good technician for accurate results.