🛑 Brake Discs and Pads Explained

🔧 What Are They?

• Brake Pads: Friction material that presses against the discs to slow or stop the car.

• Brake Discs (Rotors): Metal discs attached to the wheel hub that spin with the wheels. The pads clamp down on these to create friction and stop the car.

Together, they’re the heart of your car’s braking system—working every time you hit the brakes.

⚙️ How They Work

1. You press the brake pedal.

2. Brake fluid pushes the caliper pistons.

3. The pistons push the pads against the discs.

4. Friction is created, which slows the rotation of the wheels.

5. The car slows down or stops.

   
   

🔍 Signs They Need Replacing

Symptom	Likely Issue
Squealing or grinding noises	Worn pads or discs
Juddering when braking	Warped or uneven discs
Longer stopping distance	Worn pads/discs or air in system
Pulling to one side	Uneven wear or caliper issue
Dashboard brake warning light	Sensor triggered by low pads

⏱️ How Often Should They Be Replaced?

Component	Average Lifespan
Brake Pads	25,000–40,000 miles
Brake Discs	40,000–60,000 miles

Lifespan varies based on:

• Driving style

• Road type (city vs motorway)

• Load and vehicle type

🧰 Common Types

Brake Pads

• Organic: Quiet, affordable, wear faster.

• Semi-metallic: Good performance, slightly noisier.

• Ceramic: Long-lasting, low dust, higher cost.

Brake Discs

• Solid Discs: Standard on most cars.

• Vented Discs: Better cooling, found in performance vehicles.

• Drilled/Grooved Discs: Enhanced performance and heat dissipation.

⚖️ Should You Replace Pads and Discs Together?

• Pads Only: If discs are still in good condition (thickness, surface, no warping).

• Discs and Pads Together: Recommended if discs are below minimum thickness or have wear/lip/grooving.

💡 Tip: Replacing both ensures even wear and better braking performance.

🛡️ Safety Reminder

Driving with worn brakes:

• Increases stopping distance 🚫

• Can damage other parts (like calipers) 💸

• May fail MOT ⚠️

• Endangers you and others 🚧

📅 When to Book

If you're unsure, book a free brake check. At Autocare Repair, we’ll inspect your pads, discs, and overall braking performance and advise whether replacements are needed—with no pressure or hard sell.