The front brakes pads on your car get more wear and tear than your back brakes do. If you're having any problem with your brakes, the chances are good it is your front brake pads. If you just bought a used car you should definitely check your brakes, even without obvious symptoms.

Not replacing your brake pads when they need it can lead to a much costlier repair later. Once the friction material is worn down, the metal backing behind the pad will start to press against the brake rotor and damage it. Replacing rotors isn't cheap. Long term driving like that can actually cause damage to the brake caliper from over extending.

Brakes can make various noises from a screech to a squeal, or the ominous metal against metal sound when your rotors are being scored. Most new vehicles and older GM's have an indicator that will makes a distinctive sound when your brake pad is worn enough to need replacing. Brakes can shudder, rattle or make any number of noises. The noises can be an indication of loose or worn parts.

The trouble with diagnosing by sound alone is that not all noise is an indication of a problem. The best way to tell if your brake pads need replacing is a visual inspection. If you're mechanically minded, it's easy enough to do it yourself. Jack your car up and pull a wheel. The friction lining on the brake pads should not be thinner than a quarter of an inch.

Please make sure you observe all the usual safety precaution such as using a jackstand. Never, and I mean never, trust a jack alone to hold the weight of the vehicle.. Jacks can slip and/or collapse. Even a heavy duty hydraulic jack can fail.

Whether you do it yourself or take it to a mechanic, keep in mind the choice you make for replacement determines the limits of the life of the pad. Organic pads wear fairly quickly and cause excessive brake dust. Semi-metallic pads are inexpensive but need replaced more often than a more expensive material like ceramic, and they tend to be noisy.

The best choice to make depends on you and your car. There isn't much sense in spending extra money for lifetime warranted brake pads in an old car you're about ready to retire or replace. Newer cars that you plan on keeping for a while may be worth it in the long run. Research your options and make the decision that's best for you.

If you're in any doubt as to whether your brake pads need replaced, they probably do. Stay on the safe side and check them or have them checked for you.

Learn more about this author, Tina Hartley.
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