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Woman Takes Car To The Shop With Brake Issue. Then A Mechanic Says She Ignored One Major Warning: 'Brake Pad Fell Out'
"Get them changed because it’s always going to be more expensive..."
Photo by: ji.mobile.mechanics
Steve Ecker 
By: Steve Ecker
Mar 22, at 4:00pm ET
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Hearing squeaking brakes is never a good sign. However, some drivers still delay getting them replaced until it’s more convenient.
A mobile mechanic recently revealed why you should always change the brakes as soon as you hear them squeaking. Otherwise, you may be faced with a more expensive repair and damage your vehicle.
In a TikTok, Jacob Ireland (@ji.mobile.mechanics) reveals what can happen when you wait to change your squeaky brakes and the potential impact on the rest of the vehicle.
In the text overlay, Ireland writes, “CHANGE YOUR BRAKES!!”
Ireland focuses on the car he’s working on.
“As you can see the [brake] pad fell out,” he says.
He suggests that because of the brake pad falling off, they may need a new caliper as well.
“When your brakes start squeaking, that’s an indicator. Get them changed because it’s always going to be more expensive than you want them to be,” he concludes.
What Can Happen If You Don’t Change Your Brakes?
Driving on worn down brake pads can be dangerous. Not being able to stop in time can significantly increase your risk of getting into an accident.
Replacing the brake pads costs $100 to $300 per axle, according to AAA. For both front and rear brakes, you’ll pay between $200 and $600 on average.
Ideally you should change your brakes before they start squeaking. Continuing to drive even after this telltale indicator that you need new ones starts howling when you try to stop can cause a few things to happen—none of them good. You can damage your calipers. This happens when the rotors overheat and explode. This impacts the caliber, brake lines, and the wheel bearings.
Typically, replacing a caliper costs roughly $900 or more. Replacing brake lines can run from $5 to $220 and wheel bearings may cost between $300 and $500 to replace. So neglecting that $100-$600 routine brake replacement could easily multiply the total costs of the repair.
If you want to save a few dollars and feel confident about your mechanical skills or ability to learn, changing brake pads is considered among the easier at home jobs.
When Should You Change Your Brakes?
Kelley Blue Book reports that brakes pads usually last 25,000 to 50,000 miles, though every car and driver is different. The lifespan of the brake pads will be determined by your driving style, where you live, and other factors.
Indications of worn brakes should be addressed immediately. A few signs include:
- Vibration when braking
- Squeaking or grinding sounds
- Noticeable wear on the brake pads
If you notice any vibrating or that your brakes feel soft and spongy, you may need new brake pads and potentially rotors.
The squeaking noise is generated by the wear indicator on your brakes. The indicator grinds against the rotor to create a squeaking noise to inform the driver it’s time for new brake pads.
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You can also check your brake pads with a visual inspection with the tires off. New brake pads typically measure from 10 to 12 mm thick. Any brake pads that are less than ⅛ of an inch or 3 mm thick need to be replaced.
Motor1 has contacted Ireland via Instagram and TikTok direct message. We will update this story if he responds.
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