Back to Blog Academy

Common Symptoms of Faulty Brake Pads

By R&D
Published on May 12th, 2025

As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Brake Pads are essential components of your vehicle's braking system. The Brake Pads located within the brake calipers mounted on each wheel. They are responsible for creating the friction required to slow or stop the vehicle by pressing against the disc brake rotors. This friction is produced when the brake pedal is pressed, activating pressurized hydraulic fluid that flows through the master cylinder to the brake calipers.

The calipers then push the Brake Pads against the rotating rotors, generating the necessary force to reduce wheel speed. Over time, Brake Pads naturally wear out due to constant contact with the rotors. Worn or faulty Brake Pads can lead to several negative impacts on vehicle performance, including increased stopping distances, reduced braking efficiency, excessive noise, and potential damage to other brake components, such as rotors. Neglecting timely replacement of worn Brake Pads can compromise safety and increase repair costs.

This article highlights the typical symptoms of a faulty Brake Pad, to help you identify potential issues and their root causes.

What Causes Brake Pad Failures?

Normal Wear and Tear: Brake Pads are contact wear components, meaning they degrade over time with regular use. Each time the brakes are applied, the friction material on the pads wears down as it grips the rotor to slow the vehicle. Over time, this natural process reduces the pad thickness, eventually requiring replacement. Driving habits, such as frequent braking or aggressive driving, can accelerate this wear.

Overheating Due to Excessive Braking: Excessive or prolonged braking, such as during steep downhill driving or stop-and-go traffic, can cause the Brake Pads to overheat. Overheating reduces their effectiveness, a condition known as brake fade. Repeated exposure to high temperatures can also cause the friction material to glaze or degrade, impairing braking performance and increasing wear rates.

Mechanical Issues in the Brake System: Problems such as sticky caliper pistons, malfunctioning parking brakes, or warped rotors can lead to accelerated wear or uneven pressure on the Brake Pads. These mechanical issues often require immediate attention to prevent further damage to the braking system and ensure safe vehicle operation.

Driving in Harsh Conditions: Driving in wet, muddy, or sandy environments can allow for the accumulation of debris between the Brake Pads and rotors, causing abrasive wear. Additionally, frequent exposure to road salt or moisture can accelerate corrosion within the braking system, which may indirectly affect Brake Pad wear and performance.

Aggressive Driving Habits: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as sudden braking, tailgating, or consistently driving at high speeds, put excessive stress on the Brake Pads, causing them to wear out faster than normal. High-speed driving increases the energy that the braking system must dissipate, resulting in greater heat generation and accelerated pad wear. Drivers who habitually engage in such practices may require frequent Brake Pad replacements.

Common Symptoms of the Faulty Brake Pads

Dashboard Warning Indicator

Many modern vehicles are equipped with Brake Pad wear sensors that trigger a warning light or message on the dashboard. This indicator is activated when the Brake Pads reach a certain level of wear, alerting the driver to the need for inspection or replacement. Ignoring this warning can lead to more severe braking issues and potential damage to other components.

Visual Wear of Pad Friction Surfaces

A visual inspection can often reveal the condition of the Brake Pads. If the friction material appears thin (typically less than 3-4 millimeters) or uneven, it indicates excessive wear. Additionally, any visible cracks, glazing, or discoloration on the Brake Pad surface suggests overheating or damage, requiring immediate replacement to restore proper braking function.

Grinding or Squealing Noises While Braking

A common sign of worn Brake Pads is unusual noises during braking. High-pitched squealing often occurs when a wear sensor integrated onto the Brake Pad contacts the rotor, signaling that the Brake Pads have excessively worn out and require timely replacement. If the wear progresses further, the friction material may completely wear away, leading to a grinding noise caused by metal-on-metal contact between the Brake Pad backing plate and the rotor. This can damage the rotors and significantly reduce braking efficiency.

Unusual Brake Pedal Feel

A faulty or worn brake pad can affect how the brake pedal feels when pressed. Symptoms may include a spongy pedal feel, increased travel distance, or reduced resistance during braking. These changes occur because worn Brake Pads cannot generate sufficient friction, or uneven wear causes inconsistent contact with the rotor.

Poor Braking Performance

As Brake Pads wear, their ability to create effective friction diminishes, resulting in longer stopping distances and reduced overall braking performance. This can be particularly dangerous in emergency situations, as the vehicle may not stop in time to avoid a collision. Addressing this issue promptly is critical to maintaining safe driving conditions.

Find the perfect scanner in 1 minute

Check Brake Pad Status with the Innova Scan Tool

The Service Check function of the Innova Scan Tool is designed to provide essential diagnostics for routine maintenance. This feature allows users to monitor critical vehicle parameters, including Brake Pad Status, Current Oil Level and Oil Life, and Transmission Fluid Temperature. For Brake Pads specifically, the Service Check function helps assess their overall condition, enabling timely maintenance to ensure optimal braking performance and vehicle safety.