The braking system is probably one of the most important safety features of your vehicle. It’s also one of the systems that wear down quickly and require ongoing maintenance. A healthy brake system keeps you and others safe on the road. If brakes malfunction, it could result in collisions. Let’s learn more about the importance of a healthy braking system and what’s needed to keep your car running safely and performing well.
Brake Pads
The brake pads provide the friction necessary to stop a vehicle. Brake pads are a crucial part of the entire system, however, they are considered a consumable part of your vehicle. They’re constantly making contact and applying pressure so they deteriorate. This means that brake pads wear down and need to be replaced regularly to keep your car running safely.
Brake Pad Life Span
There isn’t a set formula for how long brake pads should last. It has a lot to do with the caliber of the pads that are put on, as well as the braking behaviors of the driver. Most brake pads can be expected to last between 25,000 and 60,000 miles. You might even get more mileage than this if you don’t brake hard or you buy higher quality, reliable brake pads.
Where you’re primarily driving will also influence how long brake pads last. For example, brake pads tend to last longer if most of your driving is on the highway compared to driving on roads in your town. This is due to the fact that on city streets you stop more frequently, using your brake pads more.
Brake pad lifespan and health are also affected by the weight that is being carried on the vehicle. If there are often a lot of passengers in the vehicle, or the vehicle is carrying a heavy load most of the time, this will put extra pressure on the brakes, which affects the health and longevity of the brake pads.
Signs to Replace Brake Pads
It’s important to pay attention to common signs that indicate you need to replace your vehicle’s brake pads. One common sign is that you’ll hear screeching when braking. You might also hear a squealing noise. If you hear either of these indicators, you should have your brakes inspected immediately. Another common sign that service is required is if you can visually identify worn brake pads.
According to Visually, if there is 1/8 of an inch left on the pad, it needs brake repair soon. Lastly, if your brake pedal seems a bit squishy, you should get your brakes inspected.
These are just a few things you should know about brake health. If you’re looking for brake repair service in your area, please contact Johnson's Automotive Repair today.
Johnson's Automotive Big Rapids is here for all your brake system needs! Call or visit our auto repair services facility to learn more and schedule your vehicle inspection or repairs today.
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