As an experienced driver, you are probably aware of what to listen for and understand how your vehicle operates in various situations. Unfortunately, one big safety issue that can often be overlooked is the condition of your brakes. How can you tell if it’s time to replace the brake rotors? How often should you get brake pads replaced? Is it necessary to replace the calipers?
Understanding the importance of taking care of your brakes is vital for safe driving. So just how often should you get brake pads replaced? And what about the brake rotors? Although the typical mileage interval for replacing brake rotors and pads is about every 70,000 miles, this can vary, either sooner or later, depending on several factors, such as:
- Your style of driving,
- The weight of your vehicle, including passengers and cargo,
- The quality of the components in the braking system, and
- For what purpose you use your vehicle.
Watch and listen for these signs of bad brakes:
- Screeching or squealing noise – Caused by a small, metallic shim indicator that’s embedded in the brake pad for this purpose.
- Brake Pads are worn too thin – The pads should not be less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters) in depth.
- Metallic Grinding and Growling – The brake pads have worn away, resulting in metal-on-metal contact between the discs and calipers.
- Warning Light – Your vehicle may be equipped with a warning light on the instrument panel indicating when it’s time to replace the brake pads.
Tip to Remember: Brake pads and brake rotors need to be replaced in pairs to ensure a more even stopping performance.
For answers to your questions about brake rotors and brake pads, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive about brakes and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
As an experienced driver, you are probably aware of what to listen for and understand how your vehicle operates in various situations. Unfortunately, one big safety issue that can often be overlooked is the condition of your brakes. How can you tell if it’s time to replace the brake rotors? How often should you get brake pads replaced? Is it necessary to replace the calipers?
Understanding the importance of taking care of your brakes is vital for safe driving. So just how often should you get brake pads replaced? And what about the brake rotors? Although the typical mileage interval for replacing brake rotors and pads is about every 70,000 miles, this can vary, either sooner or later, depending on several factors, such as:
- Your style of driving,
- The weight of your vehicle, including passengers and cargo,
- The quality of the components in the braking system, and
- For what purpose you use your vehicle.
Watch and listen for these signs of bad brakes:
- Screeching or squealing noise – Caused by a small, metallic shim indicator that’s embedded in the brake pad for this purpose.
- Brake Pads are worn too thin – The pads should not be less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters) in depth.
- Metallic Grinding and Growling – The brake pads have worn away, resulting in metal-on-metal contact between the discs and calipers.
- Warning Light – Your vehicle may be equipped with a warning light on the instrument panel indicating when it’s time to replace the brake pads.
Tip to Remember: Brake pads and brake rotors need to be replaced in pairs to ensure a more even stopping performance.
For answers to your questions about brake rotors and brake pads, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive about brakes and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
