When Should Brake Pads Be Replaced?
As a conscientious driver, you pay attention to how your vehicle performs in various situations. By knowing what to listen for and understanding how your vehicle operates helps you know when something isn’t functioning properly. Unfortunately, a big safety issue that is often neglected are brakes. How do you know when the brake rotors need to be replaced? And when should brake pads be replaced? Should you ever have to replace the calipers? Your brake mechanic will be happy to answer your questions.
To understand the importance of taking care of your brakes, here is a simple explanation of how they work--when the brake pedal is applied, the calipers cause the brake pads to clamp down on the rotors. This pressure on the rotors prevents them from spinning, which then stops your wheels from turning and your car comes to a stop.
So when should brake pads be replaced? The typical mileage interval for replacing brake rotors and pads is about every 70,000 miles. However, there are other factors that play a role in how long rotors and pads actually last:
- Style of driving,
- Weight of your vehicle,
- Quality of the brake components, and
- How your vehicle is used.
So that you know what to look for when it comes to your brakes, here are a few signs of problems:
- Screeching or squealing noise – This sound is caused by a small, metallic shim indicator that’s embedded in the brake pad for this purpose.
- Pads that are too thin – Brake pads should not be less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters) in depth.
- Metallic Grinding and Growling – The brake pads are worn away, resulting in metal-on-metal contact between the discs and calipers.
- Dash Warning Lights – Many vehicles are now equipped with an indicator light on the dash instrument panel alerting you as to when it’s time to replace the brake pads.
Tip to Remember: Both brake rotors and the pads need to be replaced in pairs for even stopping performance.
Have more questions about when should brake pads and rotors be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Heights Car Care today for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Heights, Billings, MT, and the surrounding area.
As a conscientious driver, you pay attention to how your vehicle performs in various situations. By knowing what to listen for and understanding how your vehicle operates helps you know when something isn’t functioning properly. Unfortunately, a big safety issue that is often neglected are brakes. How do you know when the brake rotors need to be replaced? And when should brake pads be replaced? Should you ever have to replace the calipers? Your brake mechanic will be happy to answer your questions.
To understand the importance of taking care of your brakes, here is a simple explanation of how they work--when the brake pedal is applied, the calipers cause the brake pads to clamp down on the rotors. This pressure on the rotors prevents them from spinning, which then stops your wheels from turning and your car comes to a stop.
So when should brake pads be replaced? The typical mileage interval for replacing brake rotors and pads is about every 70,000 miles. However, there are other factors that play a role in how long rotors and pads actually last:
- Style of driving,
- Weight of your vehicle,
- Quality of the brake components, and
- How your vehicle is used.
So that you know what to look for when it comes to your brakes, here are a few signs of problems:
- Screeching or squealing noise – This sound is caused by a small, metallic shim indicator that’s embedded in the brake pad for this purpose.
- Pads that are too thin – Brake pads should not be less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters) in depth.
- Metallic Grinding and Growling – The brake pads are worn away, resulting in metal-on-metal contact between the discs and calipers.
- Dash Warning Lights – Many vehicles are now equipped with an indicator light on the dash instrument panel alerting you as to when it’s time to replace the brake pads.
Tip to Remember: Both brake rotors and the pads need to be replaced in pairs for even stopping performance.
Have more questions about when should brake pads and rotors be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Heights Car Care today for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Heights, Billings, MT, and the surrounding area.
