Wondering When Do Brakes Need to be Replaced?
Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut schedule that tells you when it’s time for brake repair. How long your brakes last depends upon several factors such as your style of driving, the weight of your vehicle, the quality of the brake materials, and how you use your vehicle. If you consistently do a lot of stop-and-go driving, you will need brake repair much sooner than a vehicle that is driven on straight desert roads.
So, what advice will a brake repair specialist give you regarding as to when do brakes need to be replaced? First, rely on what you hear. You may hear a screeching sound when you apply the brake pedal. This is typically caused by a built-in wear sensor scraping against a brake disc when the pads are getting to thin. The more expensive vehicles incorporate electronic wear indicators with a dashboard warning light if the pads get too thin. Whether or not your car has a built-in wear sensor, pay attention to any squeaking, squealing, or metal-on-metal grinding noises. Some minor (and intermittent) noises can be eliminated by cleaning the brakes. Persistent noise usually means brake parts are wearing out.
Have you noticed the brake warning light that flashes a few seconds when you start your car? If it comes on while driving, your brake system is probably low on fluid because of a leak or a problem with the master cylinder.
A good rule of thumb to follow for brake service is to have your brakes inspected about every six months to check the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the calipers or drum hardware. Along with what you hear, a visual inspection is also a good way to determine the amount of life left in your brakes.
Wondering when do brakes need to be replaced? 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.
Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut schedule that tells you when it’s time for brake repair. How long your brakes last depends upon several factors such as your style of driving, the weight of your vehicle, the quality of the brake materials, and how you use your vehicle. If you consistently do a lot of stop-and-go driving, you will need brake repair much sooner than a vehicle that is driven on straight desert roads.
So, what advice will a brake repair specialist give you regarding as to when do brakes need to be replaced? First, rely on what you hear. You may hear a screeching sound when you apply the brake pedal. This is typically caused by a built-in wear sensor scraping against a brake disc when the pads are getting to thin. The more expensive vehicles incorporate electronic wear indicators with a dashboard warning light if the pads get too thin. Whether or not your car has a built-in wear sensor, pay attention to any squeaking, squealing, or metal-on-metal grinding noises. Some minor (and intermittent) noises can be eliminated by cleaning the brakes. Persistent noise usually means brake parts are wearing out.
Have you noticed the brake warning light that flashes a few seconds when you start your car? If it comes on while driving, your brake system is probably low on fluid because of a leak or a problem with the master cylinder.
A good rule of thumb to follow for brake service is to have your brakes inspected about every six months to check the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the calipers or drum hardware. Along with what you hear, a visual inspection is also a good way to determine the amount of life left in your brakes.
Wondering when do brakes need to be replaced? 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.
