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Brakes are arguably the most important safety feature of any car, but brake pads wear out fast. Many car owners don't consider them a priority, but it's only fine until something goes wrong. We've put together some of the key signs that it's time to take your car into your local Kia dealer, where we'll be happy to replace your pads and keep your brake system as good as new. How Do They Work? A modern car's braking system consists of several components that see the most wear and tear. The system consists of the rotors, disks of metal behind the wheel, the calipers, which press the pads onto the rotor, and the pads themselves, which press against the rotor to create friction that slows down your car. When you press the brake pedal, the calipers squeeze the rotor, and the harder you press, the more they squeeze. more Eventually, over time, the friction will wear down the pads and make them less effective. This significantly increases your braking distance, which can be very dangerous. Luckily, the pads are designed to be easily replaceable, as they will likely need to be changed several times in your car's lifetime. How Do I Know if They're Wearing Out? It's usually fairly obvious when your pads are starting to wear thin. You might notice the car behaving strangely or hear some odd noises when you brake. When you notice any of the signs listed below, then it's time to pay your Kia mechanic a visit. 1. Squealing Noises Usually, the first sign you'll notice when your pads start to get worn is a horrible squealing noise as soon as your foot touches the pedal. Not every noise that fits this description will be the pads, but it's still best to get it checked out. However, if you find the noise only appears when you're touching the brake pedal, your pads are probably to blame. Interestingly, the pads are designed to make this noise to alert you when they've worn away past a certain level. 2. Braking Time Increases A sure sign that your brakes are going downhill is an increase in braking times. This is the dangerous consequence of not changing your pads often enough. Imagine what would happen if you had to stop in an emergency! This is usually due to increased heat from the worn pads. 3. The Car Pulls to One Side When Braking Sometimes, the pads don't always wear at the same rate, especially if they're made by different brands. This can cause one side to take more than the other, with the result being that the nose of the vehicle drifts to one side when you press the brake pedal. What Can My Kia Dealer Do? Your qualified mechanic at your local dealership will be able to thoroughly check your brakes for you and replace any pads that are wearing out. They can also service the entire system if required to make sure the rest of the components are in top condition. Schedule Brake Service in Lanham, MD with Our Kia Service Center If you notice any of the tell-tale signs above, give us a call at DARCARS Lanham Kia today, and get your car booked in for a brake service. Wondering when to get an oil change or another type of service? We can help you with all your Kia service needs!