Why is it important to replace the brake pads on your Toyota RAV4 when they begin to show signs of wear? Brake pads rely on friction to slow or stop your vehicle; however, the more worn brake pads become, the less effective they become. If it takes your brakes an excessive amount of time to bring your vehicle to a stop, not only is your own safety at risk, but so is the safety of those around you on the road.
What brake pads do you need?
After making the decision to replace your brake pads, the next step is to track down the appropriate components. When comparing various brands, make sure to take into consideration the following items:
- pedaling feel
- Noise
- Maximum operating temperature
- Lifetime
- climate performance
- friction profile
How much do new rotors cost?
When you replace the brake pads on your vehicle, do you also need to replace the rotors at the same time? Although it is the norm to perform both tasks simultaneously, there are occasions when only one of the components needs to be worn while the other remains unaffected.
If you need to replace the rotors, you can expect to pay approximately $30 for each one; however, high-quality brands can cost as much as $75. Doing the installation yourself can save you anywhere from $150 to $200, which is a significant amount of money considering the cost of the installation.
What are the signs that your brake pads are worn?
It doesn’t matter how well you maintain your vehicle, the brake pads will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Because of the consistent friction caused by braking, the pad will eventually wear down to the point where it is no longer effective. Continuing to drive in such a condition is hazardous for both you and your vehicle.
Do the brake pads on your vehicle need to be replaced? The following are some indications that the time has come.
they are thin
A quarter of an inch is the minimum thickness of the brake pad you should get. When it gets any thinner than that, driving becomes extremely hazardous.
they screech
When you apply the brakes, you might hear a grinding or grinding noise if the brake pad is worn down to a thin layer. This noise is produced by the rotor, which is made of metal and generates friction when it comes into contact with the brake pad. The screeches are typically quite loud and are not easy to mix up with anything else.
The sound of squeaking brakes is an indication that the brake pad is not performing its function properly. If you hear grinding sounds or feel that your brakes are grinding, you need to get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible to make sure the rotors have not been damaged.
they are grinding
Screeching brakes are a step up from squeaky brakes and indicate that you are in serious trouble. When the calliper, which is attached to the brake pads, presses against the rotor, a grinding sound is produced. If the two pieces are touching one another, this indicates that there is very little of the brake pad left. It is extremely dangerous and can seriously damage your vehicle if you let two metal parts rub against each other. In addition, this will not provide any braking action.
Your car takes longer to stop
When there is less brake pad, it is more difficult to generate friction, which results in a slower stopping distance. Examine the brake pads if you notice that it takes your vehicle more time to come to a stop than you can remember it taking in the past.
You need the appropriate brake pads for your 2017 Toyota RAV4 in order to have a safe trip. To our good fortune, there are a great number of manufacturers who supply dependable replacement components at reasonable prices. You can find a great selection at the local auto parts store, and the sales associate there will be able to assist you in locating precisely what it is that you need.
