Your car has lots of components, but most people agree that the brakes are one of the most important. While your car’s stopping system knows how to work hard, it does eventually wear out. To keep your vehicle safe, it’s critical to recognize the signs that your rotors and pads are nearing the end of their lifespan and know when it’s time to replace them.
Here are our top tips:
How Long do Brakes Last?
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for how long brakes will last. However, the average lifespan is about 3-5 years or between 25,000-65,000 miles. These numbers may be different in trucks that haul heavy items frequently or cars equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB).
If you want to make your brakes last as long as possible, here are a few tips:
- Watch your speed. Driving fast is hard on brake pads. Be mindful of heavy braking at high speeds, which is common in highway driving.
- Remove unnecessary weight. Get rid of excess weight from your vehicle to lighten the load on your pads.
- Go with the flow. Drive with traffic flow and give yourself plenty of following distance to avoid sudden, heavy braking.
In addition to helping your stopping system stay in great shape, these tips also make everyday driving safer.
4 Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Brakes
Wondering if it’s time to restore your stopping power? Here are four surefire signs:
1. Slow responsiveness
If you’re pushing the brake pedal and it just sinks toward the floor without slowing the car, you may have a leak in your braking system. Any decrease in responsiveness is an auto repair emergency, so get your car to the shop right away.
2. Pulling
If you push the brake pedal and the car pulls to one side or another, your brake linings may be wearing out. It’s common for pads to wear unevenly, which creates pulling. See an auto repair specialist to have your pads changed, and your brake fluid drained and replaced.
3.Grinding
Your car’s stopping system should be silent. Any grinding, growling, or screeching indicates that the pad has worn away to expose the bare metal. See a mechanic immediately to avoid further damage to your rotors.
4. Vibration
If the pedal vibrates or pulses beneath your foot, your rotors are probably warped, or the vehicle may be out of alignment. Take the car to a mechanic to have the rotors replaced.
DeBroux Automotive: Your Pensacola New Brakes Specialist
Every time you get in your car, you trust your brakes to work and work well. If it’s been a few years since you replaced your brakes or had them serviced, though, you may be flirting with danger.
Here at DeBroux Automotive, our team of auto repair experts can evaluate your entire stopping system and recommend any repairs or replacements you may need. Visit us today for a comprehensive brake service and get back on the road safely.