Your vehicle’s brakes are one of the most critical components to staying safe on the road. If your brakes aren’t working correctly, you risk putting yourself, your family, and other drivers in danger.
To keep that from happening, taking care of your brakes is essential, but how often do brake pads need to be replaced? Here are five tips on taking care of your brakes to make them last and save money on brake repairs in the process.
HOW OFTEN DO BRAKE PADS NEED TO BE REPLACED?
Brake pads typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. How often brake pads need to be replaced depends on factors such as your driving style, the type of brake pads, and road conditions. Frequent braking, aggressive driving, and stop-and-go traffic can shorten their lifespan. Regular checks and maintenance help ensure your brake pads last as long as possible. If you’ve ever wondered how often do brake pads need to be replaced, follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and pay attention to early warning signs.
HOW TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR BRAKE PADS
DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT
High-speed joy rides are not your brake’s friend. The faster you go, the more brake material and energy it takes for the brakes to stop your vehicle, and the quicker they wear out. Most importantly, speed limits are put into place to save lives.
DRIVE WITH ONE FOOT ONLY
Some drivers believe that using both feet to press the accelerator and the brake improves their response time. But it’s really not safe to do this, not to mention that you’re running the risk of putting constant, light pressure on the brakes while driving. This is known as “brake riding.”
Over time, this habit can cause your rotors to warp and your brake pads to wear down. To avoid unnecessary damage, stick to driving with just your right foot.
TRY ENGINE BRAKING
When winding down a mountain or driving down a steep hill, it can be tempting to ride your brakes to stay at a safe speed. Instead of holding the brake pedal down completely, try engine braking. This technique allows the vehicle’s engine to do the work. Engine braking is where you shift down through the vehicle’s gears to slow its speed.
While you can practice engine braking on automatic transmission vehicles, it’s more effective in vehicles with a manual transmission. However, if you do try engine braking, avoid jumping to a lower gear or shifting at high speed, as this could cause damage to the engine and transmission.
GIVE YOURSELF SOME TIME TO SLOW DOWN
Tailgating (following too close behind another vehicle) is dangerous and is a leading cause of quick brake system wear. The closer you are to another vehicle, the more frequently you’ll need to press the brakes to slow down. This causes the brakes to wear faster. Additionally, allow yourself some time to slow down by keeping a bigger gap between you and the vehicle in front of you.
FLUSH BRAKE FLUID AT REGULAR INTERVALS
It’s essential to check your brake fluid regularly. The brake fluid in your vehicle is vital to transferring heat to all the brake system’s parts and absorbing water. How do you check your brake fluid? You have a couple of options. You can opt to check the brake fluid yourself. You do this by locating the brake fluid reservoir under the hood. Check the fluid level against the “maximum” and “minimum” lines on the reservoir. If you see it’s near the minimum, it’s time to have your brakes inspected. You can also check for discoloration (brake fluid is typically clear or slightly yellow) or strange smells to determine if your brake fluid has gone bad. If DIY is not your thing, you can bring your car to Big Chief Tire for expert brake repair service.
WHY ARE MY BRAKE PADS GRINDING?
Grinding noises usually mean your brake pads are worn down to the metal. This occurs when the pads have worn too thin, causing the metal backing to contact the rotor. Grinding can damage both the rotors and the braking system. If you hear grinding, have your brakes inspected immediately to avoid further issues and ensure safety.
HOW MUCH DOES A BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT COST?
Brake pads are necessary for the safety and performance of your vehicle. However, over time brake pads become worn down and require replacement. If you’re looking to replace your front or rear brake pads, the average cost typically falls between $115 and $300. Brake pad replacements cost the same regardless of the age of your car. At Big Chief Tire, we offer brake pad replacement services at fair, competitive prices, so you only pay for what you need.
GET YOUR BRAKE PADS REPLACED AT BIG CHIEF TIRE SHOP IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
The steps above can help make your brakes last longer. However, if you’re unsure how often brake pads need to be replaced, we’re here for you when trouble arises. There are specific brake issues that only a professional can catch. It’s a good idea to have the professionals take a look if you notice any change in the performance of your brakes.
Schedule an appointment with us at Big Chief Tire in Jacksonville, FL, and learn more about our brake services. These include brake inspection, parking brake adjustment, brake rotor replacement, front and rear brake repair, and more! We service brakes on all models and makes, and we will provide you with a free estimate.
