Even with chilly temperatures, winter is still the perfect time to get outside. From checking out holiday lights and scenery, or simply taking advantage of seasonal deals, winter is a time for anyone to enjoy. These things are even better if you have a car because you can go wherever you want whenever you want.
But while the season brings good things, cold weather is still something you shouldn't forget. After all, on a scenic winter drive, the last thing you want to do is hit the brake pedal before your car's brakes don't work in time. One of the potential culprits for this could be brake pads, which is why replacing them before winter weather hits might be the right idea for you and your vehicle to avoid any unexpected brake repairs.
What are brake pads and how do they work?
Before you understand why it's a good idea to replace your car's brake pads before winter, knowing a little more about how brakes work can help you prepare to service your vehicle.
First, the main components of a vehicle's braking system are:
- Brake rotors: Also known as "brake discs", they are fixed to the hubs at the front and rear of the vehicle.
- Brake Pads: These are metal frames with brake pads made of high friction material. When you brake to slow and stop the wheels, they put pressure on the rotors.
- Brake calipers: These hold the brake pads to the rotors.
- Brake Hardware: These are the small parts like caliper pins, pin shoes, and clips that make everything work together.
When braking, the brake fluid in the brake lines applies pressure to the calipers, which push the brake pads against the rotors, stopping the wheels from turning.
What happens when brake pads wear out?
Brake pads and rotors are exposed to high temperatures generated when the brake pads compress the rotor. Over time, the heat will cause them to wear down to the point where they need to be replaced. When considering whether you need to head to the auto repair shop soon, it's important to note that driving with worn brake pads means more repair bills in the long run.
Worn brake pads can produce these typical warning signs:
- brake invalid
- high-pitched screaming or screaming
- A deeper grinding sound usually indicates that the metal backing of the brake pads is scraping against the rotors and may need to be replaced.
With most vehicles, you can also visually inspect and measure the depth of the brake pads. Pads that are less than 3/32" deep usually need to be replaced. You can also check your owner's manual for a detailed recommended maintenance schedule that tells you how often you should change brake pads, oil, tires, and more.
The Importance of Changing Brake Pads Before Winter
Checking your brakes throughout the year is essential. They naturally wear out, and brake failure can be life-threatening.
This is even more important when it comes to winter car maintenance, as deteriorating weather conditions demand peak performance from your brakes. You need your brake pads and pads to work properly to brake safely and effectively on wet and icy roads.
Not maintaining the brake pads can end up causing more brake problems, such as replacing the rotors sooner - an expensive repair that goes beyond the complete parts and labor of replacing all four sets of brake pads.
How much does it cost to replace brake pads?
It's a relatively expensive job, but your brake pad replacement costs will be far less than the cost of more complicated failures on the road. The quality of the material can affect the price, depending on your make and model. However, according to experts, as of October 2022, the average brake pad replacement cost will be between $256 and $282. If you get the rotors done at the same time, your cost could be anywhere from $500 to $1,000, depending on your make and model, with an average brake replacement costing between $296 and $405.
This is really expensive, and doing it yourself can save a lot of maintenance and replacement costs, which is the trend in the next few years.
Save money on repairs this winter with a durable warranty
The brakes of a car are arguably one of the most important components. After all, what good is an engine that keeps you going, or a transmission for shifting gears, if you can't come to a stop safely? However, while vital, various components of your car's brakes, such as brake pads, begin to wear out over time. That's why replacing them when needed, even before severe winter weather sets in, can help ensure your vehicle is road-ready any time of the year. But if you really want peace of mind while protecting your vehicle (and your wallet) from unexpected and costly repairs, only an endurance warranty can help.