Metal brake pads offer an immediate bite that some riders find more appealing than resin's more modulated feel, however they can also create problems such as squeaking noises and damage to other braking components such as the rotor.

Bending metal sheets using a brake is an industry staple and the shapes these machines can produce can vary widely.

Brake Pad Wear Indicator

Modern brake pads often include sensors that alert drivers when their pads are about to wear out, making this an efficient way of avoiding metal on metal contact with your car when the pads become worn down and require replacement.

Brake pads act as a cushion between the rotor and your wheels that provides friction to slow your car down. As they wear down, this slick material starts rubbing against its metal rotor causing a loud squealing sound alerting you of their need.

Advanced versions of this technology use a small metal tab incorporated into each pad that, when pad thickness is decreasing too rapidly, contacts the rotor and triggers an electrical circuit which activates dashboard warning lights. Unfortunately, none of these systems is 100% effective as driving style and conditions play a significant role in how long brake pads last.

Brake Pad Wear Warning

Most high-end cars feature brake pads with sensors installed that will trigger a warning light on their dashboard when pad thickness drops below what the manufacturer recommends. When this sensor (the metal plate 3 in the picture) comes into contact with the brake rotor, completing its circuit and activating its warning light. Although you could continue driving your car after this point has been reached, doing so may accelerate their wear down further - potentially damaging both brake pads and rotor.

Squealing noises and gritty feelings when applying pressure to the brake pedal are two telltale signs that your brake pads may soon reach their end of life, with electronic wear sensors helping give a clearer picture. They have two resistor circuits of different depths so they can accurately measure brake pads until they become dangerously thin.

Brake Pad Wear Signs

Modern car brake pads feature built-in "wear indicators," or wear tabs, that will alert drivers if their pad material has decreased to an unsafe level. When driving with such pads, the wear indicators will rub against your rotor during braking and create a loud screeching sound; providing early warning before completely worn pads start touching metal on metal brakes.

On top of a visual wear indicator, there are other ways to tell when your car's brake pads need replacing. If the pedal becomes soft or spongy when applying brakes, visit a trusted mechanic immediately for replacement service.

Check to see if one side of your car's brake pads is wearing down faster than the other, which if left untreated can put unnecessary strain on its steering rack and other components - you may also find your car pulling to one side when braking.

Brake Pad Damage

If your brake pads have become completely worn-out, when pressing the brake pedal you may hear a grinding or squealing noise as their metal plates press against the iron rotor - an indicator that it's time for new pads.

Signs of damaged or worn brake pads include an unstable or vibrating pedal and warped rotors.

How your car's braking system performs depends on your driving habits. Frequent stops in traffic or high-speed braking put additional stress on brake pads than steady, low-speed braking does; organic, metallic or ceramic brake lining materials (which affect how quickly brake pads wear down).