Posted on 3/1/2026
If you’ve ever driven a bicycle with hand brakes, you’ll probably understand how the brake pads on your vehicle work. Bicycle brakes use a system that squeezes the bike wheel’s rim with a pair of cushioned pads activated by your hand squeezing the hand brakes on your handlebars. The friction of those pads stops the wheel. That’s the same principle used for the wheels on your vehicle. Step on the brake pedal and that causes pads to put pressure on discs in the wheels called rotors. Those pads create friction and stop the wheels from turning. Brake pads in vehicles are made from several different materials. The pads most commonly used are ceramic or a combination of metals. The friction that stops your vehicle generates heat and wears both the pads and, eventually, the rotors, too. That means that, over time, both are going to need replacing to work properly. One sign brake wear is getting noticeable may be when you hear s ... read more