The brake pads of your Volvo are a crucial part responsible for bringing your vehicle to a halt whenever you step on the brakes. It is an essential factor in your vehicle’s safety system, and its failure is always catastrophic.
The brake pads wear out over time due to constant use, but the frequency at which brake pads wear out varies depending on factors such as driving habit, brake pad quality, driving conditions, etc. The proper maintenance of your brakes is the best way to ensure that they are performing optimally.
Causes of Accelerated Wear of Your Brake Pads
While most rear brake pads wear down faster than front brake pads due to the brake mechanics of rear-wheel-drive cars. The wear and tear of the brake pads depend heavily on your driving habits. The following factors could cause your brake pads to wear out faster than they normally would:
- Driving Habits: Your driving habits will impact the lifespan of your brake pads. A driver who is in the habit of speeding excessively or driving closely behind other vehicles would experience accelerated brake pad wear than others. This is because the brake pads work by friction, and sudden or hard braking causes accelerated wear of the brake pads leading to early replacements. Driving more slowly and keeping enough space between you and the vehicle ahead to avoid unnecessary pressure on your brake pads.
- Driving Conditions: The driving conditions are another factor that impacts the longevity of your brake pads. Driving within the city will require the application of the brake more often because of traffic, stop signs, and signal lights than highway or interstate driving. The result is that a city driver will require brake pad replacement faster than a driver who does highway driving.
- Brake Pad Quality: Opting for cheaper brake pads might help you save money, but they won’t last long most of the time. The quality of the brake pad used will go a long way to impact its longevity. When you opt for a cheaper or subpar brake pad, the result is usually accelerated wear and tear.
- Faulty Braking System: When there is a problem with the braking system, it may result in accelerated brake pad wear. A faulty braking system may cause the pad to move out of position. A misaligned brake pad will squeeze down on the rotor unevenly, causing the pad to wear out faster.
Symptoms of Worn out Brake Pads
The most common warning signs of bad brake pads include:
- Grinding, squealing, squeaking, or screeching noise whenever the brakes are applied. This is a common sign that the brake pads are worn out and should be replaced.
- The brake warning lights will illuminate on the dashboard to notify the driver of an issue with the braking system. When this happens, a worn-out brake pad cannot be ruled out as the cause.
- Vibrating in the steering wheel or brake pedal can also signal that it’s time for brake service.
- In some cases, when the pad is completely worn out, you may smell a burning odor resulting from the bare brake pad coming in contact with the rotor.
- Your vehicle may pull to one side while braking, necessitating a visit to a trusted Volvo specialist.
When to Replace Your Brake Pads
Your Volvo brake pads should be replaced every 45,000 miles on average. However, factors such as your driving habit and conditions will impact the longevity of the brake pads. Hence, whenever you experience any of the signs mentioned above, you should take your vehicle for inspection to avoid putting yourself and other road users at risk.
Get your Volvo Brake Pads Replaced at Heynneman European
At Heynneman European, we understand the importance of safety and that each European vehicle has unique service and maintenance needs. 
That’s why we employ ASE-certified mechanics who have decades of experience with European vehicles.
Whether it is a brake service or repair, our shop is always equipped with the latest factory-grade tools and equipment for all services and repairs to ensure high-quality service and lasting results.
We are located in San Rafael, CA, and we have stayed committed to helping drivers throughout San Rafael and the surrounding areas of Larkspur, Kentfield, Corte, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, and Fairfax with high-quality service. Please call or visit our shop today to schedule your car’s next service appointment or for answers to any questions you may have.
