How Often Should You Replace Your Brakes?
When your mechanic mentions that it’s time to replace your brakes, do you start to feel anxious? Even though most drivers know that brake repair is one of the most common maintenance issues with vehicles, it is still something that many people want to avoid because of the cost and time involved! However, ask yourself if your car is safe to drive. Don’t put yourself and others at risk if you are sliding to a stop.
But what exactly does it mean to replace your brakes? It usually means replacing the rotors and brake pads, the parts most associated with slowing and stopping your vehicle. However, it could also mean replacing the brake caliper if it is no longer able to do its job of slowing the rotors.
A couple of other issues could also be included in a brake repair. The brake fluid should be replaced on a regular schedule and the brake lines should be checked for clogs, rust, or small holes. And, the anti-lock brakes system (ABS) should be checked to make sure that it is working properly to keep your car’s brakes from locking up.
So how often should you replace your brakes? Instead of a time or actual mileage interval schedule, there are several factors to consider:
- The actual condition of the braking components (rotors, pads, and calipers),
- The condition of the roads you consistently drive over),
- Your driving habits, such as hard sudden stops or gentle coasting when stopping,
- The kind of transmission--manual or automatic.
Remember: Smooth and steady driving is the key to increasing the lifespan of your brakes! Avoid sudden hard stops as much as possible, letting up on the accelerator to slow down. Downshift when going downhill instead of riding the brake all the way down. Most importantly, frequent inspections of your brakes (possibly at every tire rotation or oil change service) can keep you aware of the approximate lifespan left on them.
Wondering how often should you replace your brakes? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
When your mechanic mentions that it’s time to replace your brakes, do you start to feel anxious? Even though most drivers know that brake repair is one of the most common maintenance issues with vehicles, it is still something that many people want to avoid because of the cost and time involved! However, ask yourself if your car is safe to drive. Don’t put yourself and others at risk if you are sliding to a stop.
But what exactly does it mean to replace your brakes? It usually means replacing the rotors and brake pads, the parts most associated with slowing and stopping your vehicle. However, it could also mean replacing the brake caliper if it is no longer able to do its job of slowing the rotors.
A couple of other issues could also be included in a brake repair. The brake fluid should be replaced on a regular schedule and the brake lines should be checked for clogs, rust, or small holes. And, the anti-lock brakes system (ABS) should be checked to make sure that it is working properly to keep your car’s brakes from locking up.
So how often should you replace your brakes? Instead of a time or actual mileage interval schedule, there are several factors to consider:
- The actual condition of the braking components (rotors, pads, and calipers),
- The condition of the roads you consistently drive over),
- Your driving habits, such as hard sudden stops or gentle coasting when stopping,
- The kind of transmission--manual or automatic.
Remember: Smooth and steady driving is the key to increasing the lifespan of your brakes! Avoid sudden hard stops as much as possible, letting up on the accelerator to slow down. Downshift when going downhill instead of riding the brake all the way down. Most importantly, frequent inspections of your brakes (possibly at every tire rotation or oil change service) can keep you aware of the approximate lifespan left on them.
Wondering how often should you replace your brakes? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
