Brake Pads
Brake pads are replaced more than almost any other part of a car, but they’re rarely thought about until you notice something suspicious. A new sound under braking. A dashboard light. A shift in stopping distance. You wonder what’s going on that you don’t know about, secretly dreading what might be to come.
This guide is here to change that.
At Shires Garage Auto Services in Langport, we’ve seen it all. From perfectly timed replacements to brake pads left far too long. This blog brings together that experience to help you understand how brake pads work, what causes them to wear, and how to recognise when it’s time to take action.
If you’re in Langport or nearby areas like Taunton and want to avoid costly repairs or safety risks, read on.
Let’s start by going back to basics and asking, ‘What do brake pads actually do?’
How Brake Pads Work to Stop Your Car
Brake pads are the parts that make your car stop when you press the pedal. They’re fitted inside the brake caliper and are designed to press against the brake discs whenever you slow down. (Some vehicles use drum brakes and shoes instead, but the principle is very similar.)
When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the pads onto the rotating brake disc. This creates friction, which slows the vehicle down. That friction also generates a lot of heat, something the brake pads are designed to handle safely and repeatedly.
Over time, a small amount of the pad material wears away each time you brake. This is normal. But if the pads are left too long without replacement, they can wear thin and lose their ability to stop the car effectively. In more serious cases, they can even start damaging the discs.
At Shires Garage Auto Services in Langport, we check the thickness and condition of your brake pads during every service. If they’re close to the limit, we’ll give you clear advice so you can act before performance or safety is affected.
The Key Differences Between Brake Pad Types
All brake pads serve the same purpose, but not all are built the same way. The material they’re made from affects how long they last, how well they perform under heat, and how they interact with the rest of your braking system.
At Shires Garage Auto Services in Langport, we always follow the manufacturer’s specifications when fitting new brake pads. That means choosing a pad that’s designed to work with your vehicle’s calipers and discs, not just any type that fits.
Either way, it’s good to know what’s out there. Here are the three most common brake pad types we work with:
- Organic (NAO) pads
These pads are made from fibres such as cellulose or aramid, held together with resin. They’re generally quieter and create less dust, but they wear more quickly and don’t perform as well under high braking loads.
- Semi-metallic pads
Made with metal fibres like copper or steel, these are harder wearing and offer better performance in hot conditions. However, they may wear out your discs faster and tend to be a bit noisier.
- Ceramic pads
These use a combination of ceramic compounds and fine metal fibres. They’re long-lasting, produce very little dust, and handle heat well. They’re popular in high-performance vehicles but are usually more expensive.
There’s no single “best” option, only the right one for your specific braking system. Fitting the wrong type of pad can lead to vibration, noise, uneven disc wear, or even reduced stopping power. That’s why every brake pad replacement we carry out is done to the correct specification, with your safety and long-term performance in mind.
What’s Behind Premature Brake Pad Wear
Brake pads are meant to wear gradually, but at Shires Garage Auto Services, we often see cases where they’ve worn out far too soon. The good news? In many cases, the underlying causes can be identified and resolved before they lead to bigger problems.
Here are the most common reasons brake pads wear out faster than they should:
- Frequent short journeys or stop-start driving
Constant braking in traffic or on short trips doesn’t allow the pads to cool properly between uses. This extra heat builds up and causes them to wear more quickly than they would during steady, open-road driving.
- Caliper problems
If the caliper or its components aren’t working properly, the pad might not release fully after braking. This causes continuous light contact and uneven wear, which can go unnoticed until performance drops.
- Disc damage or corrosion
Brake pads need a clean, even surface to work against. If the disc is heavily scored, warped, or affected by corrosion, the pads can wear unevenly or prematurely. This reduces braking efficiency and increases the chances of further damage.
- Incorrect pad type
Pads that don’t match the manufacturer’s specifications might not perform properly with your car’s braking system. They can wear too quickly, generate excess dust, or deliver inconsistent braking, especially under stress.
- Dirt or moisture build-up
Grit, road debris, or water can get into the brake assembly and affect how the pads sit in the caliper. Over time, this can lead to uneven wear or cause the pad material to separate from its backing, posing a serious safety risk.
That’s why we always check more than just the pads at Shires Garage Auto Services. By inspecting the entire braking system, we help you catch these problems early, before they become costly or dangerous.
Spotting Worn Brake Pads Before It’s Too Late
Brake pads don’t typically fail without warning. In many cases, your car will start sending signals, sometimes subtle, sometimes more obvious, that it’s time to take a closer look. Ignoring them could put both your safety and your wallet at risk.
Here are the key signs to watch out for:
Squealing or screeching sounds
Most modern pads include a wear indicator: a metal tab designed to create a high-pitched sound when the pad is getting low. If you hear a regular squeal when braking, it’s time to have the system checked.
Grinding noises
A harsh grinding sound usually means the pad material is gone and the metal backing is now rubbing against the disc. Not only does this reduce braking performance, it can also cause expensive damage to the disc surface.
Brake warning light
Some vehicles feature electronic wear sensors. If a brake light appears on your dashboard, don’t ignore it. It means the pads are approaching their limit, and the system needs attention.
Even if braking still feels normal, these signs shouldn’t be dismissed. If something doesn’t sound or feel right (or it’s been a while since your last check), call Shires Garage Auto Services in Langport. We’ll inspect your brakes and give you clear, honest feedback.
The Consequences of Ignoring Brake Pad Wear
It might start as a squeak, a light on the dash, or a small change in pedal feel. But if brake pad wear is ignored, what begins as a simple replacement can quickly turn into a much bigger repair, both in cost and in safety.
Brake pads are designed to wear down gradually. But once the friction material reaches its minimum, that wear accelerates. If they’re left too long, the metal backing begins to press against the brake discs, causing significant damage.
At that point, you’re no longer just replacing pads. You could be looking at new discs, damaged calipers, and issues with heat buildup in the brake fluid, especially if braking has been affected for a while.
More importantly, worn pads reduce your vehicle’s stopping power. That means longer braking distances, less control in emergencies, and added risk when driving in wet or unpredictable conditions.
At Shires Garage Auto Services in Langport, we’ve seen what happens when brake pads are left too long. If you’re unsure, or if your car is giving you any signs that something isn’t right, don’t wait. Book in now for a quick inspection—it could save you money and keep you safer on the road.
Why Choose Shires Garage Auto Services for Brake Pad Replacement?
Brake pads might be small, but they do one of the most important jobs on your car. When they’re worn or incorrectly fitted, your entire braking system is compromised—and that puts safety at risk.
At Shires Garage Auto Services in Langport, we carry out brake pad replacements using parts that match the original manufacturer specifications. Every replacement includes a full system check to make sure your pads, discs and calipers are working together exactly as they should.
Here’s what you can expect when you choose us:
- Genuine or OEM-approved brake pads fitted to specification
- A full brake system inspection included with every job
- A 12-month parts and labour guarantee
- A free courtesy car to keep you on the road while we work
Whether you’re local to Langport or travelling from Taunton, we’re here to help you stay ahead of brake pad wear, and avoid more serious repairs later.
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Call 01458 250570 today to book your brake check or replacement. At Shires Garage Auto Services, your safety always comes first.
