How To Change Brake Pads On 2010 Hyundai Sonata

Oil changes, tire rotations and restriction pad replacements are all important pieces of vehicle maintenance. Almost manufacturers recommend changing the oil and rotating the tires every iii,000 to 5,000 miles, but what about the restriction pads? It turns out that the answer to the question "when should I supercede my brake pads" is not every bit simple.

How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

It's hard to predict exactly how long brake pads last. Their life expectancy depends on several factors, including the type of restriction pads yous install, road conditions and driving habits. Some people need to supplant their brake pads after 25,000 miles, simply others wait every bit long as 75,000 miles.

How Driving Conditions Bear upon Brakes

Brake pads piece of work by applying friction to the brake rotor. As y'all press the brake pedal, you push the pads down on the spinning rotor. This slows the spinning movement until it stops completely. If you press the brake frequently or like to wait until the concluding minute before using the brakes, you habiliment away the pads quicker than someone who brakes gradually.

Driving in the city wears away restriction pads faster than driving on the highway. Each fourth dimension you stop at a terminate sign or traffic light, you lot lose a chip of the brake pad. You're also more probable to restriction abruptly in the city, especially if someone in front of you lot suddenly changes lanes. If you drive in the mountains or pull a trailer, y'all also need to supplant your brake pads more frequently. The extra pressure level on the vehicle makes your brakes work harder.

Brake Pad Materials

The blazon of brake pad you choose affects how oft you have to replace them. Organic brake pads tend to wear away the quickest, especially if you lot bulldoze at loftier speeds or like to "ride the brake." However, they remain a popular option because they're more affordable and less noisy than metal brakes. Ceramic or metallic brake pads tend to concluding longer than organic brake pads, but they toll more than coin.

Signs of Worn Brake Pads

Ane of the most commons signs of worn brake pads is a squealing or scraping noise when you press the brake pedal. This happens because of an indicator built into the brake pad that makes noise when the pad wears abroad. If this progresses to a grinding sound, the pads may accept worn away so much that the discs and calipers rub together.

You lot may observe other signs as you bulldoze. If the steering wheel vibrates when you press the brake pedal, there may be a trouble with the brake pads. This besides happens when the rotors are warped, and then it'southward a good idea to have this checked as shortly as possible. Similarly, if the brake pedal goes all the way to the floor when you press it, it's time to inspect the brakes.

How to Inspect Your Brakes

If yous suspect your brake pads are wearing thin, yous can visually inspect them. Await through the spokes of the wheel and locate the brake pads sitting on height of the rotor, or restriction disk. Minimum thickness of the pads should be at to the lowest degree one-quarter inch. If it looks like less material is left, it's fourth dimension to get them inspected.

You tin likewise inquire your mechanic to check the brakes each time you take the vehicle in for an oil change. Having a professional person inspect the brakes every few months makes it possible to catch potential problems. This also saves you fourth dimension since y'all tin get the oil change and brake pad replacement done at the same time.

Restriction Pad Replacement: DIY or Mechanic

If y'all don't have the fourth dimension or desire to save some money, you can replace your brakes on your own even if your vehicle has an ABS restriction system. Make sure you have the tools you demand to remove the caliper and caliper bracket to admission the brake pads. After taking out the old brake pad, supplant the retaining clips and insert the new pads. Then, reassemble the brakes.