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Some things in life can be safely put off with indefinite procrastination. But brakes aren't one of them. Sometimes it can be pretty obvious when it's time to change your brake pads, like when they start to squeak. Other times, it's less clear if they're actually the culprit in you braking woes.
'Where the confusion comes in is that many people may ignore the issue for fear they need to replace their entire braking system, when in reality, many of the more common issues are indicative that they just need a brake pad replacement,' says Duane 'Doc' Watson, technical trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket. 'And, if ignored, worn-out brake pads will result in greater damage to the whole system and cost more down the line.'
So, how often should you change your brake pads? The answer depends on the unique combination of your vehicle and typical terrain, as well as the habits of those who often drive it. Read on to find out more.
When Should I Change My Brake Pads?Any mechanic will tell you that it's time to change your brake pads when the lining is in the 3 mm to 4 mm range. For context, the standard thickness of new brake linings is 12 mm. The first half of your brake pad's lifespan is usually carefree. As it wears past 6 mm, though, listen for the sign that it's time. Brake pads incorporate a metal burr that contacts the rotor at 3 mm, causing a squeal that signals you to service the brakes.
Don't ignore this squeal. Ignoring this warning results in damage to the rotors, at first scoring, then overheating, and potentially even warping them as the pads wear to nothing. If you hear a nasty grinding noise, that probably means the pad has already worn away.
'It is now metal to metal as the brake rotor is being eaten up by the steel backing plate on your pads,' says Chris 'Moose' Pyle, an auto expert with JustAnswer.com. 'Now you need new pads, new rotors and possibly new calipers.'
But even before they start to make noise, you might notice telltale signs that your brakes are getting worn down. Worn brake pads are less effective, and as things get down to the wire you might notice it taking longer for your car to slow down, says Watson. 'Braking may also feel different,' he says. 'If the pedal is sinking down too far or vibrating when you push it, it's likely time to take a deeper look at the state of your brake pads.'
If your car car shakes when braking or you have smoking brakes, you likely have a different issue on your hands.
How to Monitor Brake PadsOverall, it's a good idea to check the brake pad lining thickness every time you change the oil. Most shops that do brakes will automatically check them for you when you change your oil, as they look to sell additional services. You can also check them yourself. Once down in the 3 mm to 4 mm range, that squeal isn't far away. Go ahead and schedule some time to get them replaced, or replace them yourself.
One real-life example: The ceramic brake pad linings on my SUV were measured after 11 months of use (at approximately 23,000 miles/year) and showed 7 mm remaining. Although this is still considered within the 'good' range (first 6 mm of wear), I'll keep a closer eye on these pads going forward as they progress through the last half of their useful lifespan.
How Long Does It Take To Wear Out Brake Pads?That hinges on your driving habits, vehicle weight, quality of the pads, terrain and whether you're towing something. But, often their lifespan is between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, says Watson.
'It all depends on how much you're driving and how much stress the brakes are under as you go,' he says. 'For instance, someone who commutes in heavy stop-and-go traffic on a regular basis may notice their brake pads wearing faster than someone who enjoys an open road on the way to work.'
Speeding and last-second braking also affect how fast your brake pads wear out. Furthermore, driving in mountainous country, where constant downhill braking is necessary, also adds wear to your poor, old brake pads.
Softer brake-lining materials, such as organics, tend to wear down faster, requiring replacement more often. Metallics tend to wear on the rotors more heavily. Ceramics combine the best aspects of the two, but cost more. Consider that good information that doesn't help you once your pads are worn, but can help inform about brake replacement costs and choosing the right type.
Damaged through overheating, glazed brake pads provide little friction for stopping the brake rotors and have become dangerous. This can happen if you fast-brake in an emergency or ride the brakes for an extended period of time. They'll have a smooth-feeling surface that can be shiny or crystallized in appearance. You may also notice that the vehicle's stopping distance has increased'often significantly. No matter their thickness, if your brake pads are glazed, get them changed ASAP.
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About the ExpertsModern vehicles have many systems and technologies designed to keep you safe on the road. However, the most critical safety system on board is your brakes. Properly functioning brakes let you slow or stop your car to avoid dangers, preventing collisions and costly accidents.
Like most other vehicle components, brakes require regular inspections and maintenance. The brake pads are the braking system's wear parts, meaning they have a limited lifespan and should be replaced. However, unlike oil or filters, brake pad lifetime varies depending on your driving style and local conditions.
Learn the four most common signs to replace brake pads so you know when to schedule a brake service.
Since the mid-s, most vehicles have been equipped with disc brakes. In a disc brake system, the brake pads are layers of material between the actual brake discs and the brake calipers. When you push the brake pedal, the brake calipers engage the brake pads, squeezing them down on the discs. It applies friction, slowing the vehicle down.
A brand-new brake pad is approximately half an inch thick. Over time and with usage, friction gradually wears the brake pads down, similar to how tire rubber wears down and loses tread depth.
At the end of a brake pad's life, when they are down to about ' of an inch or less, they produce a screeching noise. This is one of the most common signs you need to replace your brake pads. Consider this noise a built-in warning system; if you hear the grind, it's time to change your brake pads.
Allowing the brake pads to wear down completely causes the brake calipers to make direct contact with the discs, leading to metal-on-metal friction. This produces a noticeably loud metallic grinding noise. Besides being less effective, brakes with completely worn-out pads accelerate the deterioration of more expensive brake components like rotors, discs, and calipers.
It's advisable to schedule regular brake pad replacement services before they wear out entirely. If you notice metallic grinding noises while braking, this is a sign to replace your brake pads and, potentially, your discs and calipers. Arrange for a brake inspection and repair service promptly, allowing a professional mechanic to evaluate the condition of your brakes.
Properly functioning brakes should slow down all four tires of your car, safely reducing its speed or bringing it to a stop. If your vehicle seems to veer to the left or right while braking, it may indicate that one or both brake pads on the opposite side are more worn than the others.
For example, if the brake pads on the right side exhibit more wear than those on the left, they cannot apply as much braking force to the right wheels, causing the car to pull to the left.
A common cause of this issue is a stuck or malfunctioning brake caliper. Wear and tear can impair the function of your calipers, leading to uneven brake pad wear. If this happens, consider it a sign to replace your brake pads and calipers. Schedule a brake service as soon as possible to restore your brakes' original function and performance.
Are you experiencing unusual vibrations or pulsations, particularly under your brake pedal, while braking? This sensation indicates uneven brake pad wear and potential issues with more critical components of your braking system.
A warped or damaged brake rotor is one of the most common causes of vibrations while braking. This issue is typically caused by frequent hard braking that generates excessive friction and heat. With repeated occurrences, this heat can distort and harm the rotor's surface. The vibrations occur when the brake pads encounter an uneven surface, leading to uneven wear on the brake pads.
Regardless of the underlying cause, consistent strong vibrations during braking warrant scheduling an inspection of your brake system with a reliable mechanic. They can assess which brake components require repair or replacement, from pads to rotors, discs, calipers, and others.
Brakes are the first and most important safety device on any motor vehicle. Good driving habits and regular maintenance are essential to ensure your brake pads' continued performance and extend their lifespan. Due to the lack of a specific replacement interval, it is essential to learn the signs to replace your brake pads and schedule service as soon as you recognize one of them.
If your car needs brake service, you can trust the mechanic team at Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to handle it. We can thoroughly inspect your car's braking system and perform any repairs, from brake pad replacements to full brake system servicing. Schedule an appointment with our team today.
A brake pad's longevity depends primarily on how often you drive and how hard you brake. One of the best ways to extend the life of your brake pads is to anticipate obstacles and curves and brake progressively. Avoid sudden or aggressive braking unless necessary.
Assuming you regularly inspect and replace your brake pads as needed, your brake discs should last at least 50,000 miles. Your brake rotors should be replaced at least once every 3 or 4 brake pad replacements.
Remember that how often you should change your brakes varies based on driving habits, local environment, geographical factors, and whether you're replacing front or rear brakes. Generally, front braking components (pads, discs, rotors, calipers) wear out quicker than rear systems. City driving or traversing hilly terrain often involves more frequent braking than highway or open-road use.
When booking a brake service for a brake pad replacement, trustworthy mechanics typically recommend replacing brake pads in pairs, either for the front or rear. However, it's advisable to consider replacing all four simultaneously, even if one pair seems fine. This practice can enhance your car's braking performance, ensuring consistency and optimal functionality.
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