Learning about your car when you first get it can seem like a daunting task, and it is. However, there are certain tricks and tips to learn. Some of these can change the choice you make about buying a particular car, and that’s okay. The most important thing to look at when buying a car is if it runs smoothly and if it breaks well.

How many brake pads per wheel? The answer is two, so there should be eight total on an entire car. When you buy a car from a dealership, they will never let you leave without all the brakes working properly.

If you are buying a car from a neighbor or a friend, you should look to make sure that there are proper working brakes for the vehicle. If there is not, you should avoid buying that specific car, or see if they will replace the brakes before buying.

What do brake pads do?

Brake pads help the car stop and go and are one of the most crucial features of a car. They use kinetic energy to stop the wheels from moving. If they do not work properly, it is the most important thing to get them fixed right away.

How much do they cost?

Brakes can be moderately priced or expensive, depending on what type of car you have. They range from 50-100 dollars per set. Usually, you need to buy one set per wheel. If you need every wheel changed, it will be more expensive.

You can change brakes by yourself, YouTube has excellent tutorials that are relatively easy to follow. If you go to a mechanic, they will be able to change your brakes faster than you can, but there will be a hefty price.

An excellent way to save money is to buy your own brake pads and take your car and the pads to the mechanic. If you already have the pieces that are needed, it will end up being less money than if your mechanic buys it.

How to change them?

This process requires taking off the wheel and getting inside where the wheel is attached. The brakes will be half-moon shaped, thin pieces of metal that will go inside of the brake pads. Once opening the pads, the old brakes will fall out quickly, and you will be able to slip the new brakes in.

If you can replace them yourself, it will save money and time by not going to a mechanic. However, it is best to do it with someone else who has changed brake pads. If you do not know how to take off the wheels of a car, it can be incredibly challenging to do, and you should go to a mechanic to help with the brakes.

Where to buy them?

Brake pads are some of the most accessible car pieces to buy. You have the option of going to most auto stores, where you purchased the car, or even online. Prices may vary depending on where you choose to buy the brakes. You will want to make sure they are suitable for your car and come from a reliable place.

When going to an auto shop, they will be able to tell you precisely what you need, and they might even be able to order you the pieces you need. Auto shops are great because they will take the old parts that you no longer need and throw them away for you.

How long do brake pads last?

Depending on how much and far you drive may make a difference in how long your brake pads last. Usually, the average lifespan of brake pads is between 25,000 and 60,000 miles. However, some people can last much longer with the same brake pads.

Some may experience a high-quality material or lower quality material which will also affect the amount you can drive with your brake pads.

When they need to be changed?

There are a few obvious signs that your brakes need to be replaced. The very first sign is a high-pitched groaning or squealing sound. This sound could also come across as a growling sound, depending on your car.

When brake pads are used and worn out, you can see they are thin, and the thinness is causing them to brake on other metal. The horrible sound is metal on metal.

Important things to know

When buying brake pads, one set comes with four pairs of brakes. Meaning it is suitable for two wheels. You will need to buy two boxes in order to change every tire.

Squealing when braking is a terrible sign, and the sooner you fix it, the better for your car. Waiting too long could be incredibly dangerous.

Conclusion

Brake pads are one of the most crucial pieces to replace when they go bad. It is crucial for the safety of your driving experience. If you think they are going bad, it is best to change them right away. To save money, you can buy your own brakes and replace them yourself or by them and take them to a mechanic.

Owning a car is a huge deal, and the safety of your car should not be something you take lightly. You will want to make sure the brakes are good on your first car or make sure that they are being replaced when you buy the car. New cars will always have the latest brakes and will be less worrisome. However, second-hand cars will need some work, and you will have to make sure it is safe for you to drive.