How Often Do Brakes Need to be Replaced?

Have you started to worry about how often do brakes need to be replaced?  This may be because you are starting to notice that you are sliding to a stop at red lights although you are pressing tough on the brake pedal.  It’s time for some needed brake repair.  There is not a set brake repair schedule in your owner’s manual but how often brakes need to be replaced depends on how rapidly or slowly your brakes are wearing, which is largely determined by how and where your drive.  

If you wondering how to know when you need brake repair, here are some signs that most driver can notice themselves:

• Noisy brakes – When the pads are worn down, squealing sounds or a metal-on-metal grinding sound is created when the built-in wear sensors scrape against the brake disc. 
• Vibrating brake pedal – You will feel the brake pedal pulsate from a disc that has become warped due to continuous overheating.
• Leaking brake fluid – If brake fluid leaks onto the warm motor, you may notice a burning smell while driving.
• Longer stopping distances – If you have to push the brake pedal down to the floor, the brake liner is wearing out.  Because this happens gradually over time, don’t let it reach the hazardous stage before you think about brake repair.
• Steering issues – If the front brake pads are worn down too far, you may feel the steering wheel tug or the car pull to one side or the other while braking.
• Dash Warning light – Newer vehicles have electronic-wear sensors that will illuminate a warning on the dash panel when the pads wear down to a specified measurement.  

Tip to remember:  A visual inspection is still the best way to inspect the condition of your brakes.  Ask your auto mechanic to check your brakes at every tire rotation service (generally about every 6 months).

Do you know how often do brakes need to be replaced?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon for more information about brake repair service and to make an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves car owners in Canby, OR, and the surrounding areas.