How to Make Sure Your Brakes Are up to Date

Your brakes are one of the most important parts of your car. So, you should have them regularly checked and replaced before they cause costly damage. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your car safely on the road.

You should check your brakes every 6 months or 15,000 miles. Brake pads will likely need to be replaced approximately every 25,000 miles but may last longer depending on driving habits and the weight of your vehicle. Rotors should last longer, usually between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. Additionally, brake fluid needs to be replaced every 2-5 years. Consult your owner’s manual for recommendations on when to have it serviced.

How Brakes Work

Before performing any maintenance checks, you should first understand how brakes work. Your car’s braking system has several components, including brake pads, calipers and rotors. The brake pads are attached to calipers that squeeze against the rotors from both sides, which causes friction and enables your vehicle to come to a complete stop. If you drive with worn out brake pads, the calipers can grind against the rotors, causing damage and creating unsafe driving conditions. Following a regular maintenance schedule will help ensure your brakes are working properly.

Checking Your Brakes

A visual inspection of your brake pads can be done without removing the wheel. Use a flashlight to look at the brake pads through the holes in the wheel. You will see the metal rotor and the brake pads over them. If they look thin (less than 4mm) or the metal wear indictor on the side of the pad is almost touching the rotor, then it’s time for new brake pads. If you can’t see the brake pads, you will need to remove the wheel or take your car to the shop to have them inspected. If you have your tires rotated regularly, you can ask them to check your brakes at the same time.

There are some other indicators that let you know your brakes may need to be replaced.

• High-pitched squealing noise when you hit the brakes – Most brake pads have wear indicators built in that emit a noise when the brake pads are getting thin.
• Slow stopping time – If your vehicle is suddenly stopping slower than usual, this could be an indication of a leak in the brake lines or the pads are becoming worn down.
• Vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel – As your brake pads become worn, they can cause the rotors to warp, causing vibrations when you apply the brakes.
• Grinding sound when you hit the brakes – This means your brake pads have become worn past the point of replacing and now your rotors are being damaged. You’ll have to replace both parts.
• Brake light on the dashboard – If your car’s brake light comes on, it’s time to have your brakes checked as soon as possible.

How to Make Your Brakes Last Longer

There are also ways to extend the life of your brakes. Making a few changes to your driving habits can make your brakes last longer, saving you money in the long run.

• Drive slower – Since brakes rely on friction to stop, driving at high speeds and stopping quickly can generate a lot of heat, which wears down the brake pads and may lead to warped rotors. If you’re stuck in heavy traffic, it’s best to drive slower and avoid sudden braking.
• Reduce your vehicle’s weight – Driving around with a bunch of extra equipment in your car adds to the overall weight, causing your brakes to work harder. Make sure you keep your emergency supplies in your car, but eliminate extra gear whenever possible.
• Drive with one foot – This sounds like a no-brainer, but some people drive with their left foot on the brake and their right foot on the gas, thinking it increases response time. This can lead to constant, light pressure on the brake, which wears out the brake pads quickly.
• Embrace the gap – When you follow too closely, you end up tapping your brakes more often and having to slam on the brakes when traffic comes to a sudden stop. The National Safety Council recommends at least a three-second following distance. This gives you time to coast more often, which cuts down on brake wear.
• Watch the road – Eliminate distracted driving and watch the road. Pay attention to any road hazards, accidents or upcoming heavy traffic. Most traffic apps give you warnings of problems on the road ahead. Also, watch the drivers around you for reckless driving, sudden lane changes or accidents. Being aware of your surroundings helps you react in time to avoid slamming on the brakes.

Staying on top of your vehicle maintenance can help your brakes last longer, and keep you safer. Between maintenance checks, it’s a good idea to turn down the music every once in a while and just listen to your car to make sure there aren’t any strange sounds. If you hear anything unusual, have a mechanic check it out.

Note: For purposes of this blog, we are assuming your vehicle has disc brakes. If you have drum brakes, you should have them inspected by a mechanic.