The braking system is one of the most important safety features of your vehicle. Your brakes should respond the instant you step on the pedal, slowing you down or coming to a complete stop. However, just like all the other parts and systems of your vehicle, brake repair will become necessary as the miles add up on your vehicle.
You may be wondering just how often should you replace your brakes? Mileage guidelines for replacing brake components will vary depending on the factors described below:
- Quality of Brake Pads – Many vehicles use a metallic brake pad made up of mixed and bonded iron, copper, steel, and graphite. These pads are extremely durable, but also heavier, possibly decreasing your fuel economy. If you make frequent hard stops such as in high-traffic areas, ceramic brake pads are good as they produce less dust and are longer-lasting, but a little more costly. Non-asbestos brake pads are softer, make less noise, but wear out faster than other materials.
- Where You Drive – City driving (more stoplights and heavier traffic) requires more frequent hard stops, so you use your brakes more often. On the open highway, you don’t have to use your brakes as often as you have fewer stops and less traffic.
- How You Drive – Avoid “riding the brakes” or “tailgating” so you don’t have to step on the brakes so often. If you can, coast to slow down and gently apply the brakes when stopping.
- What You Drive – Because drivers can downshift (engine braking) to slow down on a vehicle with a manual stick-shift, these brakes will last longer than those on an automatic vehicle.
- Condition of Calipers – A burning smell coming from your brakes could indicate a stuck caliper, causing the brake pad to rub against the rotor, wearing it out faster than normal.
Have your brakes inspected frequently (possibly at every oil change) to make sure they are remaining in good condition or whether it’s time for a needed brake repair. You may need some form of brake repair several times throughout the life of your vehicle if you keep it for very long.
Have more questions about how often should you replace your brakes? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
The braking system is one of the most important safety features of your vehicle. Your brakes should respond the instant you step on the pedal, slowing you down or coming to a complete stop. However, just like all the other parts and systems of your vehicle, brake repair will become necessary as the miles add up on your vehicle.
You may be wondering just how often should you replace your brakes? Mileage guidelines for replacing brake components will vary depending on the factors described below:
- Quality of Brake Pads – Many vehicles use a metallic brake pad made up of mixed and bonded iron, copper, steel, and graphite. These pads are extremely durable, but also heavier, possibly decreasing your fuel economy. If you make frequent hard stops such as in high-traffic areas, ceramic brake pads are good as they produce less dust and are longer-lasting, but a little more costly. Non-asbestos brake pads are softer, make less noise, but wear out faster than other materials.
- Where You Drive – City driving (more stoplights and heavier traffic) requires more frequent hard stops, so you use your brakes more often. On the open highway, you don’t have to use your brakes as often as you have fewer stops and less traffic.
- How You Drive – Avoid “riding the brakes” or “tailgating” so you don’t have to step on the brakes so often. If you can, coast to slow down and gently apply the brakes when stopping.
- What You Drive – Because drivers can downshift (engine braking) to slow down on a vehicle with a manual stick-shift, these brakes will last longer than those on an automatic vehicle.
- Condition of Calipers – A burning smell coming from your brakes could indicate a stuck caliper, causing the brake pad to rub against the rotor, wearing it out faster than normal.
Have your brakes inspected frequently (possibly at every oil change) to make sure they are remaining in good condition or whether it’s time for a needed brake repair. You may need some form of brake repair several times throughout the life of your vehicle if you keep it for very long.
Have more questions about how often should you replace your brakes? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
