How Often Should Brake Pads Be Replaced?
Do you know your vehicle? Unfortunately, not every driver pays attention to how their vehicle performs in various situations. Knowing what to listen for and understanding how your vehicle operates will help you maintain your vehicle so you are driving as safe as possible. One of the biggest safety issues is fully functioning brakes. How do you know when brake rotors need to be replaced? How often should brake pads be replaced? Do you need to replace the calipers? A brake repair specialist will be happy to answer your questions.
How do brakes work, you ask? When you step on the brake pedal, the calipers cause the brake pads to clamp down on the brake rotors (also called discs). As pressure is applied to the rotors, it prevents them from spinning, bringing your car to a stop. Most brake rotors are made from gray iron because it disperses heat well—important for preventing overheating and brake fade. Ceramic rotors are lighter and more stable for higher speeds and temperatures (typically used in high-performance vehicles) but are more expensive. Some rotors have a special rust-inhibiting coating that helps them last longer.
So how often should brake pads and brake rotors be replaced? The typical mileage interval is about every 70,000 miles. Of course, this will depend on your style of driving, the weight of your vehicle, the quality of the braking components, and the use of your vehicle. Both pads and rotors should be replaced in pairs for even stopping performance.
Here are a few signs of brake problems to watch for:
- There are grooves worn into the rotor by the brake pads
- You hear squealing, squeaking, or grinding sounds when braking
- You feel vibration or wobbling when braking.
Wondering how often should brake pads be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about brakes and to schedule a brake service. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
Do you know your vehicle? Unfortunately, not every driver pays attention to how their vehicle performs in various situations. Knowing what to listen for and understanding how your vehicle operates will help you maintain your vehicle so you are driving as safe as possible. One of the biggest safety issues is fully functioning brakes. How do you know when brake rotors need to be replaced? How often should brake pads be replaced? Do you need to replace the calipers? A brake repair specialist will be happy to answer your questions.
How do brakes work, you ask? When you step on the brake pedal, the calipers cause the brake pads to clamp down on the brake rotors (also called discs). As pressure is applied to the rotors, it prevents them from spinning, bringing your car to a stop. Most brake rotors are made from gray iron because it disperses heat well—important for preventing overheating and brake fade. Ceramic rotors are lighter and more stable for higher speeds and temperatures (typically used in high-performance vehicles) but are more expensive. Some rotors have a special rust-inhibiting coating that helps them last longer.
So how often should brake pads and brake rotors be replaced? The typical mileage interval is about every 70,000 miles. Of course, this will depend on your style of driving, the weight of your vehicle, the quality of the braking components, and the use of your vehicle. Both pads and rotors should be replaced in pairs for even stopping performance.
Here are a few signs of brake problems to watch for:
- There are grooves worn into the rotor by the brake pads
- You hear squealing, squeaking, or grinding sounds when braking
- You feel vibration or wobbling when braking.
Wondering how often should brake pads be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about brakes and to schedule a brake service. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
