Kia Brake Pad Replacement Service Near New Orleans

How Do Brake Pads Work?

When you depress the brake pedal of a disc system, fluid creates pressure in the brake lines and hoses. This pressure is transferred to pistons in the brake caliper, which is mounted to the wheel knuckle and extends around a rotor. When the brakes are applied, an inboard and an outboard pad with friction material mounted to a metal plate squeeze against the rotor. This applied pressure causes an increase in friction force between your pads and the rotor which operates your brakes to slow and stop the vehicle. In time, your pads wear down and need to be replaced. If you live in or near Baton Rouge, New Orleans, or Lafayette, you can get brake pads replaced at Premier Kia of Kenner.

Types of Brake Pads

There are three main types of brake pads available when you need to have them replaced. They all have a steel backing plate to which friction material is bonded, but the bonded materials are where there are some noted differences:

• Organic, or Non-metallic: Composed of blended materials like aramid, sintered glass, cellulose, and other compounds in varying amounts, these brake pads are quiet and made of soft materials that have little impact on your rotors, but they also do not last as long as the other types.
• Semi-metallic: These combine metals, like copper, steel, and iron mixed with non-metallic components and compounds like graphite and some fillers. These pads can be noisy, but they last longer than organic or non-metallic pads. They also do more damage to your rotors.
• Ceramic: Considered by many to be the best option for brake pads, these pads combine components like clay and porcelain, with soft metals like copper to produce quieter sounds when stopping, heightened longevity and are easy on your rotors.

One of the easiest ways to tell if you need new brake pads is to look at the rotors with the wheels off to visually inspect the pads and rotors. Most pads are between 8/32” and 12/32” when new, not including the metal plate. When the friction material gets below 3/32” it is time for replacement.

Other Signs of Wear

You can also tell it is time for replacement if you notice any of the following signs of too much wear:

• Squealing sounds when stopping
• Grinding sounds when you drive or brake
• Extended stopping distances
• Grooves in the rotor surface
• Pulsations in the pedal
• Pulling to one side when you brake