Ed Martin Nissan of Fishers

Blog / Brake Repair

How Often Should You Replace Your Nissan's Brake Pads?

Brake pads being serviced near Fishers, Indiana

Brake pads are a consumable part of your braking system. They're essential, as they enable you to slow or stop your Nissan quickly and easily. Pads slowly degrade as they work, and eventually, you'll need to visit your Nissan dealer for replacements. We want to advise you on what your pads do and how often you should replace them.

What Do Pads Do?

Pads fit into the brake calipers. A set of calipers is attached above each wheel rotor. When you hit the brake pedal, highly-pressurized brake fluid is forced into the brake hoses. The brake fluid forces the pins out of the calipers, and this action causes the calipers to clamp onto both sides of each wheel rotor. The pads then generate friction against the rotors to control your speed and stop your car.

The pads have a 1/2" thick friction material covering to generate the required friction. The material covering gradually wears off due to friction with the rotors. Once the material covering reaches a thickness of 1/4", the pads need replacement.

How Often Should You Replace Pads?

Pads need to be replaced every 20,000 to 70,000 miles depending on the type of pads on your car and your model. The correct replacement time for your car's pads is listed in your car manual. Pads may also need to be replaced more regularly due to driving contusion, driving style, and worn or damaged rake components.

Signs You Need Replacement Pads

Many components give a clear indication that they're wearing out. These are a few of the signs that your pads and worn and it's time to replace them:

Screeching Noises

When a pad is reduced to 1/4" thickness, a metal spike installed in the material is revealed. This spike is built into the pad by the manufacturer, and it serves as a warning device. The next time you apply the brakes, the metal spike will scratch against the rotor surface and produce a loud screeching noise. The spike doesn't damage the rotor, but it does show that the pad has worn out and needs replacement.

Grinding Noises

A harsh grinding noise when you brake is a sign that one or more pads have completely worn out. Once the friction material covering has broken down, the metal pad will grip the rotor when you brake. This metal-on-metal contact will produce a grinding noise as the pad damages the rotor surface. If this happens, the pad must be replaced immediately to prevent permanent damage to the rotor.

Worn pads increase your stopping distance and place ​unnecessary strain on your braking system. If your pads are due for replacement, call us right away at Ed Martin Nissan of Fishers.

Posted in:

Related Posts

Three Reasons Drivers Choose the 2025 Nissan Z

The 2025 Nissan Z is a premium, high-performance sports car ideal for thrill-seeking drivers. This two-door sports car can unleash your inner speedster with an incredible sport-tuned powertrain, fluid gear shifting, and performance engineering features. Explore all the reasons drivers are excited to test drive the Nissan Z today. more Three Reasons Drivers Choose the 2025 Nissan Z 1. Turbocharged V6 Powertrain The Nissan Z comes with an impressive 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This responsive motor allows you to blast off in a matter of seconds while maintaining a high level of fuel efficiency to maximize performance. You can expect the twin-turbocharged V6 motor to get 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the freeway. The highest Nissan Z is equipped with a unique NISMO-tuned 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 motor that is designed to maximize sporty performance. The NISMO-tuned motor has an output of 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque for even greater speed. With this sport-tuned powertrain, the estimated fuel economy of the Z is 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG combined. 2. Forged Alloy Wheels While the base Z has 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, all other models are equipped with RAYS forged alloy wheels. Forged alloy wheels are ideal for high-performance vehicles since they are crafted to be exceptionally durable, resistant to high-pressure cracking, and lightweight enough to reduce vehicle weight. The NISMO model stands out with exclusive NISMO RAYS forged alloy wheels, which are paired with summer performance tires. The highest trim level also has NISMO Akebono four-piston front calipers that enhance stopping power for better brake response at high speeds. 3. Streamlined Start Up Getting on the road is swift with the Nissan Intelligent Key, a remote keyless vehicle entry system that allows you to unlock the door by simply touching the request switch tucked into the front door. The Nissan Intelligent Key enables push-button ignition, so you can save time by not inserting a physical key. The trunk can also be opened with a remote release on the key fob or in the front cabin area for your convenience. Entering your vehicle at night is easy when you upgrade to the Exterior Ground Lighting package. The addition of remote-activated perimeter lights with integrated puddle lights means the exterior lights turn on as you approach the Nissan Z. The puddle lights illuminate the ground in front of the front doors, so you can side-step puddles and keep your car's interior clean. The Nissan Z is a fantastic, sporty compact car with incredible performance potential and key technology features that make every drive thrilling. Book a test drive at Ed Martin Nissan of Fishers in Fishers, IN today.

Exploring the Trim Levels of the 2025 Nissan LEAF: Electric Driving Customized

If you're looking for an affordable EV in the form of a stylish hatchback, the 2025 Nissan LEAF should be on your list. It's a practical choice for local commuting, and the fully electric powertrain means you won't have to worry about rising gas prices. Learn more about its two trim levels to see which one has your ideal list of features. more Exploring the Trim Levels of the 2025 Nissan LEAF: Electric Driving Customized 1. S The base S trim of the 2025 LEAF features a 40 kWh battery to power the motor, which generates 147 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. A single charge provides approximately 149 miles of range, which is perfect for daily commutes and shorter trips. Plug it into a 240-volt charger overnight, and your battery will refill in about eight hours. If your battery runs low while out on the road, DC fast charging can replenish power in about 40 minutes. The LEAF's interior keeps you comfortable with a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat and soft cloth seating surfaces. Cabin preconditioning is standard, so when you start your vehicle remotely, it can bring the cabin temperature to a comfortable level before you get inside. There's a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster behind the wheel, and an 8.0-inch NissanConnect touchscreen for all your infotainment needs. Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, along with wireless Bluetooth calling and audio streaming. 2. SV PLUS The SV PLUS trim upgrades the battery to a 60 kWh capacity, which enables a longer range of about 212 miles per full charge. The increased power also translates to performance, increasing the motor's output to 214 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Like the S trim, front-wheel drive and a brake-actuated limited-slip differential are standard, but the SV PLUS swaps the full wheel covers for machined wheels with painted accents. A heated steering wheel and front seats become standard to keep you toasty during the winter months, and the driver gets an eight-way power-adjustable seat with two-way lumbar support. The infotainment system gets upgraded with voice-activated onboard navigation, a three-month trial to SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, and over-the-air updates. Both models come with forward and rear collision prevention systems and a long list of driver assistance features, but the SV PLUS adds a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control. The 2025 LEAF is a great choice for drivers who want to eliminate spending at the pump and lessen their environmental impact, while enjoying a stylish, versatile ride. When you're ready to compare its two trim levels for yourself and learn how you can customize your electric driving experience, head over to Ed Martin Nissan of Fishers in Fishers, IN!

Understanding the Trim Levels of the 2025 Nissan Armada: Space and Luxury Your Way

Massive, spacious, and with 425 horsepower under the hood, the 2025 Nissan Armada is the perfect SUV for epic adventures with your loved ones. To find your perfect match, here's how its five trim levels compare. more SV Ideal for families seeking an affordable three-row SUV, the entry-level SV model offers a compelling blend of comfort and performance. With a choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, a towing capacity of 8,500 lbs, and standard Class IV trailering provisions, you can easily optimize it for road trips, camping adventures, and tailgating. The spacious interior comes with seats for eight and tri-zone automatic climate control, so everyone can enjoy comfortable, relaxing rides. Nissan also equips it with a host of advanced technologies and driver assistance features, making it easy to stay connected, entertained, and safe on the road. SL A great choice for drivers seeking more agility, the SL trim comes with the same powertrain as the SV but improves performance with five drive and terrain selection modes. The ProPILOT Assist 1.1 package also brings enhanced driver assistance technologies, keeping you nearly worry-free on the road. Interior upgrades include EZ FLEX second-row seats for easier rear access and a 60/40 split-fold third-row bench with a one-touch folding function. The premium infotainment system includes built-in Alexa and Google. Platinum Stepping up in luxury, the Platinum model boasts a seven-seat interior with second-row captain's chairs, but you can opt for a three-seat bench if you need room for eight. Regardless of your choice, the interior comes with lavish quilted leather upholstery, while comfort upgrades include biometric cooling that adjusts the AC settings based on your body temperature. Other upgrades include climate-controlled front seats and heated rear seats. The infotainment system also replaces the center touchscreen with a massive 14.3-inch touch display paired with a 14.3-inch driver information screen. PRO-4X Designed for the roads less traveled, the PRO-4X trim is offered exclusively in four-wheel drive and comes standard with eight drive and terrain modes, allowing you to adjust performance based on changing terrain conditions. For smooth rides on bumpy roads, Nissan equips it with adaptive electronic air suspensions, while a 3D surround view monitor can help with baking and turning on narrow trails. Other standard features include all-terrain tires and full LED exterior lights, including LED fog lights for improved illumination on dusty trails and in adverse weather conditions. Platinum Reserve The best choice for families seeking luxury, the Platinum Reserve trim builds on the Platinum with a range of upgrades, including a heads-up display for enhanced safety. Massaging front seats also come standard, while the massive 22-inch wheels pair with an adaptive electronic air suspension, providing smooth riding and enhanced traction. To explore each of these trim levels yourself, schedule your test drive at Ed Martin Nissan of Fishers in Fishers, IN.