Kia Brake Pad Replacement Service Near San Diego, CA

Kia Brake Pads Replacement Service at Premier Kia of Carlsbad

One of the most important systems on your car, truck, minivan, or SUV for your safety is your brakes. If your brake pads are bad, slowing down and stopping can be dangerous, even deadly. To ensure that you and others are safe, it is important to have brake pad service performed regularly, even if it is just a technician inspecting your brakes. If you live in or near Escondido, Temecula, or Oceanside, bring your vehicle into Premier Kia of Carlsbad for our quality brake pad service.

About Your Brakes

Nearly every vehicle on the road today uses disc brake systems. A few use a drum brake system, but the most common by far is the disc brake system. Disc brakes function when you press down on the brake pedal. This action uses fluid in the brake system to increase hydraulic pressure in the brake lines and hoses, which in turn flows around a piston in the brake caliper located on the wheel knuckle. It then extends around the brake rotor. Hydraulic pressure in the system forces pads on the inside and outside of the rotor to squeeze against the flat sides of the rotor. Friction material bonded to the pads applies pressure and friction to the rotor surfaces and this force causes your wheels to slow and stop. Over time, these forces gradually eat away at the brake pads, and they wear out, making it more difficult to stop.

How Often Do I Need to Replace My Brake Pads?

Generally, it takes tens of thousands of miles of use for brake pads to wear out. For most drivers they will need to be replaced every 20,000-40,000 miles, depending on the type of pads you buy. Eventually, you will have to replace your brake pads to be safe. Check your owner’s manual for more specific information about brake pad replacement.

How Can I Tell If My Pads Need to Be Replaced?

Brake pads are all made in a similar way. There is a friction material of some sort bonded to the surface of your brake shoe. How quickly it wears out depends on what the material is affixed to the solid metal plate on your brake shoe.

• Non-metallic or organic pads: This type of pad has a blend of synthetic materials and compounds as friction material. The material is quiet sounding because it is softer than other types, which also means it is less damaging to the rotor, but it also has a shorter life.
• Semi-metallic brake pads: Composed of metals like iron, steel, and copper mixed with non-metallic compounds like graphite and fillers, these pads last longer, but also produce more noise and are harder on the rotors.
• Ceramic pads: Most people consider these to be the best pads since they use clay and porcelain with copper fibers. These pads last longer, are quieter and are easier on the rotors.

If you hear squeaking or squealing when you slow or stop, if you feel pulsations through your brake pedals, if you notice pulling to one side, extended stopping distances, or if you spot grooves in the rotor surface, it may be time to replace your brake pads.

If you need brake pad service, contact us at Premier Kia of Carlsbad and set up an appointment with our Service Department, or schedule your service online today.