Over 100,000 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents back in 2018. When many people think about what causes accidents, they usually think about drivers not paying attention or speeding through traffic. But did you know your brakes could contribute to the problem?
When you aren't familiar with the signs you need to replace your brakes, it affects everyone's safety on the road. If you want to learn what they are and how often you should replace them, keep reading.
1. You Can Hear Squeaking
Everyone knows the dreadful sound of squeaking breaks, as they are the most alarming sign to come from your brakes. It occurs when a metal tab, called the indicator, rubs against the rotor. The brake pad is so worn down that it no longer separates these two parts.
2. You Feel the Car Vibrating
If the car starts to shake immediately after pressing down on the brake, you should take it to an auto shop right away. It either means that you have unbalanced rotors, or your brake caliper is sticking because the pads cannot easily move.
3. Difficultly Stopping the Vehicle
There's nothing more terrifying than pressing down on the breaks and the car continuing to move at the same speed. Therefore, when you find it more difficult than usual to stop your vehicle, get replacements as soon as possible to prevent a pending car accident.
Furthermore, you can extend your brake pad lifespan by allowing your car to coast before pressing the brakes. That way, they don't have to work as hard to get the car to a complete stop.
4. Drifting Occurs When Breaking
You might also find that your car will drift one way as you press down on them, putting you at risk of accidentally sliding into someone while on the road. A few different brake parts can cause this to happen, which is why you should bring your car to an expert to get to the root of the issue.
5. Visibly Worn Pads
If you aren't hearing noises or feeling anything wrong with your vehicle but still want to see if brake pads need replacing, check them out yourself. Depending on the size of your rims, you should be able to view your brake pads by peeking inside the tires.
You're checking the number of millimeters that make up the gap between the rotor and the indicator, which shows you how close the indicator is to hitting the rotor. From there, you can determine if you should get them replaced immediately or not.
How Often Should You Replace Your Brakes?
Just like your oil changes, you need to replace your brakes after so many miles. Mechanics recommend that you take your car in (generally speaking) after 30,000 to 70,000 miles for a replacement.
Do You Need to Replace Your Brakes?
Now that you've read the guide to break replacement, you might have realized you've been experiencing some of these problems. Or, perhaps, you can't remember the last time you replaced yours, and you want a professional to look at them.
All-Out Auto Repair should be your go-to company for all your vehicle's needs. Not only will they replace your brakes, but they conduct car safety inspections, wheel alignments, transmission repairs, and more. Book an appointment to ensure your car is ready for the road.