How Often Should You Change Brake Pads?
By knowing how your vehicle responds in certain situations is key in keeping it serviced so you are driving as safely as possible. One big safety issue that drivers should be aware of and keep maintained is the brakes. How often should you change brake pads? How do you know when the brake rotors need to be replaced? Do calipers ever need to be replaced? Your auto mechanic will be happy to answer your questions about brakes.
By understanding how brakes work, you will understand how important it is to keep them in good condition. Here is a brief explanation of how brakes work in simple terms. Applying the brake pedal causes a chain reaction—the calipers cause the brake pads to clamp down on the brake rotors. This pressure on the rotors prevents them from spinning, thus stopping your car.
So how often should you change brake pads? The typical mileage interval for replacing brake rotors or brake pads is about every 70,0000 miles. Of course, the following factors play a big role in how long your brakes last:
- Style of driving—fast accelerations and hard braking, riding the brake pedal, drive consistently in mountainous terrain.
- Weight of vehicle—driver, plus passengers, plus cargo.
- Quality of the brake components—don’t use the cheapest, but stick to mainline good quality parts.
- Use of vehicle—towing, transporting heavy objects, or commuting long distances.
If you’re noticing stopping problems, watch out for these signs:
- Screeching or squealing sounds – A small, metallic shim indicator is embedded in the brake pad to indicate when it has worn too thin.
- Pads that are too thin – Brake pads should be no less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters) in depth.
- Metallic grinding and growling – The brake pads have worn down, resulting in metal on metal contact between the discs and calipers.
- Dash warning light – Newer vehicles are equipped with a warning light on the instrument panel indicating it’s time to replace the brake pads.
Remember: Replace both the brake rotors and the brake pads at the same time for even stopping performance.
Wondering how often should you change brake pads? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Big Lake Automotive today for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves the residents of Big Lake, MN, and surrounding areas.
By knowing how your vehicle responds in certain situations is key in keeping it serviced so you are driving as safely as possible. One big safety issue that drivers should be aware of and keep maintained is the brakes. How often should you change brake pads? How do you know when the brake rotors need to be replaced? Do calipers ever need to be replaced? Your auto mechanic will be happy to answer your questions about brakes.
By understanding how brakes work, you will understand how important it is to keep them in good condition. Here is a brief explanation of how brakes work in simple terms. Applying the brake pedal causes a chain reaction—the calipers cause the brake pads to clamp down on the brake rotors. This pressure on the rotors prevents them from spinning, thus stopping your car.
So how often should you change brake pads? The typical mileage interval for replacing brake rotors or brake pads is about every 70,0000 miles. Of course, the following factors play a big role in how long your brakes last:
- Style of driving—fast accelerations and hard braking, riding the brake pedal, drive consistently in mountainous terrain.
- Weight of vehicle—driver, plus passengers, plus cargo.
- Quality of the brake components—don’t use the cheapest, but stick to mainline good quality parts.
- Use of vehicle—towing, transporting heavy objects, or commuting long distances.
If you’re noticing stopping problems, watch out for these signs:
- Screeching or squealing sounds – A small, metallic shim indicator is embedded in the brake pad to indicate when it has worn too thin.
- Pads that are too thin – Brake pads should be no less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters) in depth.
- Metallic grinding and growling – The brake pads have worn down, resulting in metal on metal contact between the discs and calipers.
- Dash warning light – Newer vehicles are equipped with a warning light on the instrument panel indicating it’s time to replace the brake pads.
Remember: Replace both the brake rotors and the brake pads at the same time for even stopping performance.
Wondering how often should you change brake pads? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Big Lake Automotive today for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves the residents of Big Lake, MN, and surrounding areas.
