Well-maintained brakes are crucial for the safety of your vehicle. There are three primary components of the braking system--the brake caliper, brake pads, and brake rotors. Even though we know that brake pads and rotors on all cars wear out eventually, how fast they wear out depends on several factors, as described below:
- Driving habits: How hard a driver steps down on their brake pedal affects how long the brake pads last. Some drivers stop abruptly, while others gently coast to a stop. Smooth, gradual braking helps make the pads and rotors last longer.
- Environment: City driving with its stop-and-go traffic is harder on brakes than driving out in the country or on long straight roads. Also, driving in mountainous areas can wear brakes out quickly as it is often necessary to ride the brakes to control downhill speed.
- Brake pads: Brake pads are available in different compounds to suit different driving needs. Hard compound brake pads last longer and are more common on performance cars. Soft compound brake pads perform better at low speeds, such as city driving.
- Materials: Steel or other metal brakes are common and more than adequate to suit a variety of driving conditions. Carbon-ceramic brakes last longer than standard metal brakes but they need to be warmer to be effective. They are expensive and found almost exclusively on high-performance cars.
So how often should car brakes be replaced? Depending on the factors listed above--anywhere between 25,000 to 70,000 miles. Consult your owner’s manual for your car’s specific needs. Other indicators that the brake pads and/or rotors are wearing out include:
- Thickness of the brake pads.
- Squealing or scraping noise.
- Excessive vibrations.
Generally, regardless of the miles driving, replace your car brakes if they look worn out or lose stopping performance. If there are any unusual noises or sparks coming from the brakes, have them inspected right away. Remember, good functional brakes are key to safe, predictable braking and safe driving!
Do you know how often should car brakes be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil’s Service today for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and the surrounding area.
Well-maintained brakes are crucial for the safety of your vehicle. There are three primary components of the braking system--the brake caliper, brake pads, and brake rotors. Even though we know that brake pads and rotors on all cars wear out eventually, how fast they wear out depends on several factors, as described below:
- Driving habits: How hard a driver steps down on their brake pedal affects how long the brake pads last. Some drivers stop abruptly, while others gently coast to a stop. Smooth, gradual braking helps make the pads and rotors last longer.
- Environment: City driving with its stop-and-go traffic is harder on brakes than driving out in the country or on long straight roads. Also, driving in mountainous areas can wear brakes out quickly as it is often necessary to ride the brakes to control downhill speed.
- Brake pads: Brake pads are available in different compounds to suit different driving needs. Hard compound brake pads last longer and are more common on performance cars. Soft compound brake pads perform better at low speeds, such as city driving.
- Materials: Steel or other metal brakes are common and more than adequate to suit a variety of driving conditions. Carbon-ceramic brakes last longer than standard metal brakes but they need to be warmer to be effective. They are expensive and found almost exclusively on high-performance cars.
So how often should car brakes be replaced? Depending on the factors listed above--anywhere between 25,000 to 70,000 miles. Consult your owner’s manual for your car’s specific needs. Other indicators that the brake pads and/or rotors are wearing out include:
- Thickness of the brake pads.
- Squealing or scraping noise.
- Excessive vibrations.
Generally, regardless of the miles driving, replace your car brakes if they look worn out or lose stopping performance. If there are any unusual noises or sparks coming from the brakes, have them inspected right away. Remember, good functional brakes are key to safe, predictable braking and safe driving!
Do you know how often should car brakes be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil’s Service today for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and the surrounding area.
