If you’re an experienced driver, you know that fully functioning brakes are the most critical issue for driving safety. Unfortunately, many inexperienced drivers don’t understand how brakes work and why it is important to take care of them. Simply stated, when you step on the brake pedal, the calipers cause the brake pads to clamp down on the brake rotors preventing them from spinning and thus stopping your car. If any of these components are worn down too far, they will have a harder time stopping your car!
But you may be wondering just how often should brake pads be replaced? And how do you know when the rotors or calipers need to be replaced? Because there is no set mileage guideline for brake service, the answer to these questions depends on several factors:
- Your style of driving,
- The weight of your vehicle,
- The quality of the brake components, and
- How you use your vehicle.
As a general rule of thumb, most mechanics recommend replacing brake rotors and brake pads about every 70,000 miles. Just remember to have your brakes inspected frequently, about every other oil change or tire rotation service, to make sure they are remaining in good condition.
Here are three signs of problems to be aware of:
- Screeching or Squealing – This noise is caused by a small, metallic shim indicator embedded in the brake pad as it wears down. The brake pads should not be less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters) in depth.
- Metallic Grinding and Growling – When the brake pads are too thin, there will be metal-on-metal contact between the rotors and calipers.
- Dash Warning Lights – Newer vehicles have sensors that will illuminate a warning light on the dash panel indicating when it’s time to replace the brake pads. Your owner’s manual will state if your car has this sensor.
Tip to Remember: For the best even stopping performance, the brake rotors and pads should be replaced in pairs, if not all four at the same time.
Wondering how often should brake pads be replaced? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about replacing brake rotors and brake pads and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
If you’re an experienced driver, you know that fully functioning brakes are the most critical issue for driving safety. Unfortunately, many inexperienced drivers don’t understand how brakes work and why it is important to take care of them. Simply stated, when you step on the brake pedal, the calipers cause the brake pads to clamp down on the brake rotors preventing them from spinning and thus stopping your car. If any of these components are worn down too far, they will have a harder time stopping your car!
But you may be wondering just how often should brake pads be replaced? And how do you know when the rotors or calipers need to be replaced? Because there is no set mileage guideline for brake service, the answer to these questions depends on several factors:
- Your style of driving,
- The weight of your vehicle,
- The quality of the brake components, and
- How you use your vehicle.
As a general rule of thumb, most mechanics recommend replacing brake rotors and brake pads about every 70,000 miles. Just remember to have your brakes inspected frequently, about every other oil change or tire rotation service, to make sure they are remaining in good condition.
Here are three signs of problems to be aware of:
- Screeching or Squealing – This noise is caused by a small, metallic shim indicator embedded in the brake pad as it wears down. The brake pads should not be less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters) in depth.
- Metallic Grinding and Growling – When the brake pads are too thin, there will be metal-on-metal contact between the rotors and calipers.
- Dash Warning Lights – Newer vehicles have sensors that will illuminate a warning light on the dash panel indicating when it’s time to replace the brake pads. Your owner’s manual will state if your car has this sensor.
Tip to Remember: For the best even stopping performance, the brake rotors and pads should be replaced in pairs, if not all four at the same time.
Wondering how often should brake pads be replaced? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about replacing brake rotors and brake pads and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
