Did you know that about 22% of car accidents are caused by a brake failure every single year?
First and foremost, the brakes on your automobile are your best protection against collisions on the road. Maintaining your vehicle’s brakes is an essential part of keeping yourself and other drivers safe. This brings us to the importance of replacing car breaks on time.
Keep on reading for our full breakdown on how often you should replace your car brakes and the signs you should be on the lookout for if things need extra care.
When Should You Replace Car Brakes?
As part of a complete set of brakes, you have rotors which are the metal wheels within your tires. Then, calipers compress the rotor to create friction and slow the vehicle. And, you have the brake pads, which protect the rotors from scraping against each other.
As a general rule, brake pads should be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles to avoid premature wear. This regulation does not apply to rotors. Every 50,000-70,000 miles, it is advised that you change your brake rotors.
Take it in for an examination as soon as you see any indicators that something isn’t working correctly. You should look here for mobile services.
Replacing Car Breaks Now: The Red Flags
Whether determining when to replace your brakes, mileage isn’t the only factor to consider.
To let you know when your brake pads are becoming too thin, most vehicles include some kind of warning light or audible “feeler,” which is just a piece of metal that creates a screeching sound when it touches the rotor but does not harm it.
Squealing Sounds
You’ll hear a squeaking or squealing noise emanating from your brakes if your brake pads are nearing the end of their useful life and need replacement.
Overly worn brake pads are the most common cause of squealing brakes. There will be a grinding noise after you’ve gone through a significant amount of wear on your pads, and this grinding noise can also damage your rotors, making the repair much more costly.
Grinding Noise When You’re Breaking
If you hear grinding noise when you press the brake pedal, you need to get your brake pads changed right away.
To help you know when it’s time for a new set of brake pads, some contain built-in metal wear indicators. Brake pads that are grinding should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid more damage and increased repair expenses.
Takes Longer To Stop
One of the most obvious signs that your brakes need to be repaired is a decrease in braking power when you use them.
If your brakes aren’t stopping quickly enough when you press the brakes, it’s possible your brake pads are worn out or your brake fluid is low (oftentimes due to a leak).
As soon as you notice a problem with your brakes, make an appointment with a brake technician right away so that you don’t lose all braking capability.
Indicator Light for Brake Pads Is On
Brake warning lights are standard on most newer automobiles. In addition to the ABS light, you’ll also see a corresponding braking system warning light.
There are times when your brake lights won’t turn on because your parking brake is engaged, but that doesn’t mean they won’t go off when anything goes wrong. As long as the warning light is on, and the parking brake isn’t activated, you should have a brake professional check out your system to find out what’s wrong.
The Costs of Changing Your Car Brakes
The cost of having your car’s brakes fixed varies greatly based on your car’s make and model, as well as the severity of the problem.
However, you may obtain an idea of what to expect by following a few simple guidelines (although we recommend getting a quote from an auto repair shop.) Avoid unpleasant financial shocks by setting aside money each year for routine automobile maintenance.
It is the brake pads that need the most regular maintenance and replacement since they literally wear down every time you use the brakes.
Parts for all four wheels might cost anything from $35 to $150. The cost of labor might range from $80 to $120 for each axle, bringing the total to $115 to $270. It’s best to change pads in pairs since they wear out unevenly. This will help them last longer and do their job better.
You may get your rotors replaced at the same time as your brake pads if they’re due for repair. Each axle will cost between $250 and $500 in total, with rotors costing $30 to $75 and labor costing $150 to $200.
The most expensive part of the system to replace is the caliper, which may cost as much as $130 for a single one. The pads, rotors, and calipers that make up a set of brakes may cost anything from $300 to $800 each.
Caring for Your Brakes: Systematic Maintenance
Brake maintenance might be expensive, but it’s well worth the cost in the long term. As time goes on and the situation becomes worse, you’ll end up spending more money than you had to in the first place.
It’s possible that your insurance premiums may rise and you’ll have to purchase a new car if you’re in an accident caused by brake failure.
On the other side, regular maintenance may help you save a lot of money and stress in the long run. Take your automobile to a professional technician who understands their stuff, and you’ll get better value for your money. If you spot an issue with your brakes, make an appointment right away.
Car Brake Tips: Simplified
Everything in your automobile works together to provide you with an enjoyable and safe journey, so it’s crucial to remember that it’s a living organism. When a component like your car brakes begins to show signs of wear, it might lead to further problems.
Replacement of brake pads and rotors, for example, may solve problems with braking, such as a vehicle that pulls to one side when you brake. And, you should check out our automotive section for extra tips and advice on how to take care of your car.
