Brake Pads
Brake pads are among the most frequently replaced parts on any vehicle, but most drivers don’t give them much thought until something changes. A screeching sound. A warning light. A brake pedal that feels softer than usual.
This guide is here to help you recognise those signs early, before they turn into a more serious fault.
At Somerset Vehicle Services in Bridgwater, we’ve seen how worn brake pads can quickly affect the whole braking system. Left too long, they can damage the discs and reduce your stopping power, putting your safety and your wallet at risk. That’s why we’ve created this clear, practical guide. You’ll learn what brake pads actually do, what causes them to wear out, and the key symptoms to look out for.
If you’re based in Bridgwater, Taunton, Weston Super Mare, or anywhere nearby, and you want professional advice from a local independent garage, you’re in the right place.
Let’s start with the basics: what happens when you press the brake pedal?
What Happens Inside Your Braking System When You Press the Pedal
Every time you apply the brakes, a chain of events takes place, and brake pads are central to that process. Positioned inside the brake calliper, they are the components that press against the brake discs to slow the vehicle down. (In some vehicles, a drum-and-shoe system is used instead, but the principle is similar.)
When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the pads onto the rotating brake disc. This creates the friction needed to stop your vehicle. It also generates heat. Brake pads are built to handle that heat, but as they do, they slowly wear down.
Each time you brake, a small layer of friction material is lost. That’s how the system is designed to function. But when the pads wear too thin, your braking power drops. If they’re not replaced in time, the metal backing plate can begin to press against the brake discs, which causes serious damage and increases the cost of repair.
At Somerset Vehicle Services in Bridgwater, we check your brake pads during every service or inspection. If they’re showing signs of wear, we’ll explain what that means and what to do next.
Brake Pad Types and Why Only One Suits Your Car
Brake pads may all look similar, but their material makeup, and how they interact with the braking system, varies from type to type. That’s why fitting the correct pad isn’t just important, it’s essential.
At Somerset Vehicle Services in Bridgwater, we always install pads that match your vehicle’s manufacturer specification. This ensures compatibility with the callipers, brake discs, and electronic systems. Using the wrong type can lead to premature wear, noise, poor braking balance, and even safety risks.
Here’s a quick look at the most common brake pad types:
- Organic (NAO) pads: Made from fibres like cellulose, aramid, and various organic materials. These pads tend to be quieter, but they wear out more quickly and aren’t suited to high-heat driving.
- Semi-metallic pads: Contain metal fibres such as steel or copper. These offer improved durability and heat resistance, but they can be noisier and produce more brake dust. They may also wear the discs more aggressively.
- Ceramic pads: Built using ceramic compounds and copper fibres. These deliver smooth, quiet braking with excellent heat control and minimal dust. They’re commonly used on high-performance vehicles, but they come at a higher cost.
Your braking system is designed to work as a unit. Using the wrong type of pad can unbalance that system and reduce its overall effectiveness.
That’s why every brake pad replacement at Somerset Vehicle Services is carried out with precision, using the exact parts your car was built to run on.
What Makes Brake Pads Wear Faster Than They Should?
Brake pads naturally wear down with use, but sometimes they reach the end of their life far sooner than expected. At Somerset Vehicle Services in Bridgwater, we often find that premature wear is caused by issues elsewhere in the braking system, or by conditions that increase how hard the pads have to work.
Here are some of the most common reasons brake pads wear out faster:
- Frequent braking in stop-start conditions
Urban driving, short trips, and hilly terrain all involve regular braking. That builds up heat and friction, which speeds up pad wear, especially on the front wheels.
- Poor disc condition
If your brake discs are warped, heavily worn, or affected by corrosion, they won’t allow even contact with the pads. That leads to hot spots and faster, uneven wear on the pad surface.
- Calliper problems
A sticking or misaligned calliper can prevent the pad from releasing fully. This means it stays in light contact with the disc, wearing down more quickly and potentially overheating the system.
- Contamination from dirt or moisture
Brake pads are exposed to water, salt, and grime. Over time, that can cause corrosion inside the calliper or between the pad and backing plate, and in severe cases, may cause the friction material to separate.
- Wrong parts fitted
Pads that don’t meet the manufacturer’s specifications often wear out too quickly, handle heat poorly, or affect the balance of your braking system. That’s why we always use the correct parts for your vehicle.
At Somerset Vehicle Services, we don’t just check the pads. Our technicians look at the entire braking system to spot underlying problems early and help you avoid more serious repairs down the line.
How to Spot Brake Pad Problems Before They Get Worse
Brake pads usually give you a few clear signs before they become a real problem — but only if you know what to look for. Acting on these early warnings helps keep your braking system safe and can save you money on repairs.
Here are the most common symptoms of worn or failing brake pads:
- Screeching or squealing when braking
Many brake pads include a wear indicator — a small metal tab that produces a high-pitched sound when the pad material gets low. It’s designed to give you an audible warning that it’s time to book a brake check.
- Grinding sounds
If you hear a grinding noise, it could mean the pad has worn down completely. At this point, the metal backing plate may be pressing against the brake disc, which can damage the disc and reduce stopping power.
- Brake warning light
On cars with wear sensors, the dashboard light will activate when the pads are nearing the end of their life. This isn’t something to ignore; it’s a direct signal to book an inspection.
- Changes in braking feel
If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy, or if the car takes longer to stop, it could point to worn pads or another fault in the system. These symptoms should always be checked by a professional.
At Somerset Vehicle Services in Bridgwater, we take these signs seriously. If anything feels or sounds unusual when you brake, we’ll carry out a full inspection and explain exactly what’s going on, clearly and without pressure.
Why Delaying Brake Pad Replacement Can Lead to Bigger Repairs
Brake pads wear gradually, but once they reach the end of their lifespan, that wear speeds up. What was once a simple, low-cost job can quickly turn into something far more expensive if it’s put off for too long.
When the friction material wears down too far, the metal backing plate can begin to press against the brake disc. This doesn’t just reduce your ability to stop safely, it also damages the disc itself. In more advanced cases, the extra heat can affect the callipers or even start to compromise the brake fluid.
At Somerset Vehicle Services in Bridgwater, we regularly see situations where drivers could have avoided a full brake system repair by acting sooner. A quick inspection now could mean the difference between a routine pad change and a much bigger job involving discs and more.
If you’ve heard a warning sound, noticed a change in braking, or simply haven’t had a check in a while, it’s worth getting it looked at. The cost of doing nothing is nearly always higher.
Brake Pad Replacements You Can Trust in Bridgwater
Brake pads might be small, but they’re one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. Just like tyres, wipers, and lights, they should be checked regularly and replaced before they wear down too far.
At Somerset Vehicle Services in Bridgwater, we fit every set of brake pads using parts that meet the vehicle’s original specifications. That means no generic parts, no guesswork, and no compromise on safety. Our technicians follow strict processes to make sure the job is done properly and thoroughly.
We’ll never suggest a replacement unless it’s genuinely needed. If your pads are fine, we’ll let you know. If they’re wearing thin, we’ll explain what’s happening and what your options are — clearly and without pressure.
Whether you’re based in Bridgwater, commuting to Taunton, or driving in from Weston Super Mare, we’re here to help you stay safe on the road.
Book Your Brake Pad Check with Somerset Vehicle Services in Bridgwater
We help drivers across Bridgwater, Taunton, and Weston Super Mare with reliable brake inspections and replacements, carried out by experienced technicians using manufacturer-matched parts.
All brake work is backed by our 12-month parts and labour guarantee, giving you confidence that your car’s braking system is safe and road-ready.
Our record speaks for itself, boasting a {{average-rating}} star Google rating from {{review-count}} satisfied customers. We’re ready to help customers in Bridgewater and beyond.
📞 Call 01458 210402 today to book your brake pad check with Somerset Vehicle Services.
