Brake Pads
Brake pads are replaced more than almost any other component on your vehicle, yet they’re rarely something drivers think about — until something feels off. A warning light. A grinding noise. A brake pedal that doesn’t feel quite right.
This guide is here to help you take action before those symptoms appear.
At Gents Garage in Sittingbourne, we’ve seen how brake pad wear can build up quietly, then suddenly lead to disc damage, reduced stopping power, and a much higher repair bill. That’s why we’ve created this simple, practical guide: to explain how brake pads work, what causes them to wear, and what signs you should look out for before they turn into something more serious.
If you’re based in Sittingbourne, Maidstone, or nearby areas like Faversham or the Isle of Sheppey, and you’re looking for expert advice from a trusted independent garage, you’re in the right place.
Let’s begin with the basics: what exactly do your brake pads do?
What Happens When You Press the Brakes?
Every time you step on the brake pedal, you’re relying on a chain reaction to bring your car to a safe stop, and the brake pads are right at the heart of it. Tucked inside the brake calliper, they’re the parts that press against the brake discs to create friction. (Some vehicles use a drum-and-shoe system instead, but the principle is much the same.)
When you apply the brakes, hydraulic pressure forces the pads onto the rotating brake disc. This generates the friction that slows the vehicle down. It also produces a great deal of heat. Brake pads are designed to handle that heat, but in doing so, they gradually wear away.
A small layer of friction material is lost each time you brake. That’s how the system is supposed to work. But if the pads are allowed to wear too far, they lose the ability to grip properly. Worse still, the metal backing plate can start to press against the brake discs, causing serious damage and significantly reducing your stopping power.
At Gents Garage in Sittingbourne, we check your brake pads as part of every service or brake inspection. If they’re getting low, we’ll give you clear advice on what’s needed — no pressure, just straightforward guidance.
Brake Pad Types Explained: What Fits and What Doesn’t
Brake pads might look similar across vehicles, but the materials used and their performance under pressure can vary significantly. That’s why fitting the right type matters.
At Gents Garage in Sittingbourne, we only use pads that meet your vehicle’s original specification. That ensures proper compatibility with your discs, callipers, and braking system. The wrong type can reduce performance, increase noise, or wear out faster than expected.
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of brake pads:
- Organic (NAO) pads: Made with fibres like cellulose, aramid, and other organic materials. These are quieter in operation but wear out more quickly and don’t cope well with high temperatures.
- Semi-metallic pads: Contain metal fibres such as copper or steel. These offer stronger braking performance and better heat resistance, but can produce more noise and brake dust and wear discs more aggressively.
- Ceramic pads: Made from ceramic compounds and copper fibres. These offer quiet, consistent braking with excellent heat control and minimal dust. However, they tend to be more expensive and are usually used on high-performance vehicles.
The brake system is engineered as a complete unit. Using pads that don’t match the system can lead to imbalance, reduced lifespan, or uneven wear.
That’s why every brake pad replacement at Gents Garage is done using the right parts for your make and model, fitted with precision by technicians who understand exactly what your vehicle needs.
Why Some Brake Pads Wear Out Sooner Than Others
Brake pads are designed to wear gradually, but sometimes they wear down far faster than expected. At Gents Garage in Sittingbourne, we often find that early pad wear is a sign of another issue, or a result of driving habits that place more strain on the braking system.
Here are the most common causes of accelerated brake pad wear:
- Sticking or faulty callipers
If a calliper doesn’t release properly, it can keep the pad in contact with the disc. This causes constant friction, leading to uneven wear and increased heat, which can affect other components too.
- Poor disc condition
When a disc is warped, corroded, or heavily scored, it prevents the pad from making smooth, even contact. This creates hot spots, reduces braking effectiveness, and wears the pad out faster.
- Driving habits and road conditions
Short trips, hilly roads, towing, and regular stop-start traffic all increase brake use. More frequent braking means more heat and friction, which causes pads to wear out more quickly.
- Contamination from dirt or moisture
Pads are exposed to water, salt, and road debris. These can build up in the calliper or around the pad itself, eventually causing corrosion or, in more severe cases, material separation.
- Wrong parts fitted
Pads that don’t match the manufacturer’s specification may wear faster, create more dust or noise, and reduce overall braking performance. That’s why we always use the correct parts for your vehicle.
At Gents Garage, we check the full braking system, not just the pads. That way, we can catch underlying issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive problems.
How to Tell When Your Brake Pads Need Attention
Brake pads don’t usually fail without warning. Most of the time, there are signs — you just need to know what to look or listen for. Spotting those symptoms early can help you stay safe and avoid more costly repairs.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- Screeching or squealing noises
Many pads include a built-in wear indicator: a small metal tab that makes a high-pitched sound when the pad material is low. It’s designed to alert you before braking performance is affected.
- Grinding when braking
A grinding noise often means the pad material has completely worn away. At this stage, the metal backing plate may be pressing against the brake disc, which can cause serious damage.
- Brake warning light
Vehicles with electronic wear sensors will show a warning light on the dashboard when the pads are approaching their limit. This is a direct prompt to book a brake check, not something to delay.
- Changes in braking performance
If the brake pedal feels softer than usual, or you’re taking longer to stop, it could point to worn pads or another issue in the braking system. These symptoms should always be checked by a professional.
At Gents Garage in Sittingbourne, we don’t take any of these signs lightly. If you’ve noticed something unusual, we’ll carry out a full inspection and give you a clear explanation of what’s going on. No upselling, just honest advice.
Why Delaying a Brake Pad Change Can Cost You More
Brake pads wear down gradually, but once they reach the end of their service life, the situation can deteriorate quickly. What starts as a routine job can soon turn into a much more expensive repair.
When the friction material becomes too thin, the metal backing plate may begin to press against the brake disc. This reduces your ability to stop effectively and causes physical damage to the disc itself. In some cases, the excess heat can affect the callipers or even the brake fluid.
At Gents Garage in Sittingbourne, we’ve seen drivers delay action and end up needing not just new pads, but discs, callipers, and more. That’s why we always recommend getting your brakes checked if you’ve noticed unusual sounds, warning lights, changes in braking performance or if it’s simply been a while since your last inspection.
It’s a quick check that could prevent a much larger bill, and more importantly, keep your braking system safe and effective when you need it most.
Trusted Brake Pad Replacements from Gents Garage
Your brake pads might not be something you think about often, but they’re one of the most important safety components on your vehicle. Just like tyres, lights, or wipers, they need to be checked before they wear too thin.
At Gents Garage in Sittingbourne, every brake pad replacement is carried out using parts that meet your vehicle’s original specification. Our technicians follow strict procedures to make sure the work is done properly, without shortcuts or guesswork.
We don’t believe in upselling. If your pads are fine, we’ll tell you. If they need changing, we’ll explain exactly why, what’s involved, and what it will cost — clearly and honestly.
Whether you’re commuting through Sittingbourne, heading across to the Isle of Sheppey, or just want peace of mind before your next trip, we’re here to help.
Book Your Brake Pad Check with Gents Garage in Sittingbourne
We support drivers across Sittingbourne, Maidstone, and nearby areas like Faversham and the Isle of Sheppey with expert brake inspections and replacements.
Every job includes a 12-month or 10,000-mile parts and labour guarantee, and we offer a free courtesy car to keep you moving while your vehicle is with us.
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📞 Call 01795 425999 today to book your brake pad check with Gents Garage.
