5 Signs Your GMC Needs New Brake Pads

May 19, 2025

Certain parts of your car wear down over time, including the brake pads. When those get too thin, you’ll start experiencing problems with braking, so it’s important to get new brake pads as soon as your car shows you that you need them. You can get replacement brake pads and all other forms of brake service at your local GMC dealership.

1. Your Brakes Get Screechy

You shouldn’t hear anything when you brake normally, but you will if your vehicle has exposed brake pad wear indicators. These indicators are built into the brake pads to tell you when it’s time to replace them. The indicators are made of metal, so when they press against your rotor, you’ll hear a metallic screeching or squealing sound.

2. Your Brake Pedal Vibrates

Braking should only cause vibrations if your ABS brakes engage. Under normal circumstances, the pedal should never vibrate or pulsate. If it does, then it probably means your rotors are damaged. This can be caused by brake pads that have worn down too much, so there’s metal-on-metal contact happening, damaging your rotors in the process.

3. Your Brakes Start Grinding

We’ve mentioned that there’s often a wear indicator built into your brake pads. This will continue to cause the screeching noise we discussed until you get new pads. However, if you don’t get new pads, then the sound could get worse and sound more like a growling or grinding. This typically means the brake pad has completely worn away, and now your calipers are in contact with the discs.

4. Your Brake Pads Are Visibly Thin

Giving your car a once-over every few weeks may help you catch issues before your car starts having problems. One thing you might notice is thin brake pads. The pads should be at least one quarter of an inch thick, though thicker is better. You’ll be able to see the brake pads by looking through the spokes of your wheels. Get your brakes inspected if the pads are looking a little thin.

5. Your Brake Pad Light Comes On

Many GMC vehicles have a light that turns on specifically when the brake pads need to be replaced. This differs from the check engine light or ABS light you may be familiar with. The only thing it tells you is that the brake pads need to be replaced. Once you get new pads, you’ll need to reset the Brake Pad Life Monitor through your vehicle’s cluster display.

Do you need your brake pads replaced or another form of service for your car? Come get it all done at Marquardt of Barrington GMC in Barrington, IL.

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