Car brakes tend to last a long time. In fact, they can last anywhere from 15,000 to 60,000 miles, and many factors affect the lifespan of a vehicle's brakes.
The important thing to know is how to tell when you need new car brakes. Some of the signs are obvious to car owners, but others might not be as noticeable.
Here are seven signs you can watch for that indicate it's time for new brakes on your car.
1. You Hear Squeaking or Squealing
You might want to schedule an appointment with an auto repair shop if you hear squeaking or squealing coming from your brakes.
Most cars have brake systems equipped with sensors. These sensors cause a squeaking or squealing noise when the brake pads wear out. If you hear these types of sounds, it normally means that your car needs new brakes.
The sensors do not alert you with squealing sounds until the brake pads wear down enough. When you hear this sound, it means you need new brakes.
Some cars do not have sensors in the brake systems, but they might still cause squealing or squeaking sounds when the brake pads wear out. Never ignore any types of strange sounds you hear coming from your brakes.
2. Your Brakes Don't Seem to Work Well Anymore
Your brakes help with preventing car accidents, as they help your car stop when you press on the brake pedal. As brakes wear out, they might not work as well as they once did.
You might find that you have to press extremely hard on the brake pedal to stop your vehicle. If this happens, it's a sign that you should start looking into buying new brakes.
You shouldn't have to press down aggressively to stop your vehicle. Brakes do not require that much force. Therefore, consider this a warning sign, and schedule an appointment to have a mechanic check your brakes.
3. Your Car Pulls When You Apply the Brakes
Your vehicle might also be ready for new brakes if you notice that it pulls when you apply the brakes. Your car shouldn't pull to one side or the other when you stop the vehicle.
If this happens, it might indicate that your brakes are worn out on one side of your car. Brakes can wear out unevenly for several reasons. Normally, this occurs from a problem with the tires on the vehicle.
If you're not sure if this is happening, test it.
While you're driving, push down on the brake pedal with some force while your hands are on the steering wheel. Do you feel the car pull to the left or right? If so, you should get your brakes checked.
4. Your Car Vibrates or Shakes When Stopping
Replacing old brakes can also solve the vibration and shaking issues you have with your vehicle. If your vehicle shakes or vibrates when you press the brake pedal, it usually means that there is a problem with the brakes.
In most cases, vibration occurs with brakes from issues relating to the rotors. Most brake systems have rotors, and these can wear out just like brake pads.
Some cars have electric motor brakes. If you have this type, you might want to work on calculating motor horsepower when determining if you need to replace your brakes.
5. You Hear Grinding Sounds
Replacing car parts is a normal part of car owner maintenance, but you'll need to know what signs to look for with your car. Another sign of a brake issue is grinding sounds.
When you come to a stop in your car, do you hear loud grinding? If you do, you've probably waited too long to replace your brakes. Grinding is often the last sign you'll hear when you have a brake issue.
The grinding sounds that come from brakes occur when there the brake pads are bare. When the pads wear out so much that there is nothing left, metal will rub against metal, causing the grinding sounds you hear.
6. Your Car's Brake Light Is On
Most vehicles have a brake light that comes on as needed. A brake light might illuminate when you put your parking brake on in the vehicle. It might also come on when your brake fluid is low.
This brake light also comes on if there is any type of issue with the brakes. If your brake light turns on, it's a sign that you need repairs.
You shouldn't wait too long after you see this light appear, as you might have a serious brake problem with your vehicle.
In the meantime, you might want to avoid driving your car until you have a mechanic inspect it. You might also want to check the brake fluid to make sure there is enough in the tank.
7. Your Pads Look Thin
Another thing you can do to check your brakes is to inspect them. If you aren't sure how to do this, look inside your owner manual. It should show you where to look.
By inspecting your brakes, you might be able to tell if the pads are low. If you notice that the pads look thin, it probably means that you need new brakes.
Learning how to inspect your brake pads is something you that car owners should know. If you're not sure how to do this, talk to your mechanic. Your mechanic can show you what to look for, so you'll know for future reference.
Get New Car Brakes When You Need Them
Your vehicle will give signs when it needs new car brakes, and you shouldn't ignore these signs. Your brakes are the component that stops your car, which means they are a necessity for safety reasons.
If you need new car brakes, bring your car to a shop to get them replaced.
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