When should brake pads and rotors be replaced?
On average, brakes should be replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, while brake discs typically need to be replaced every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. However, the exact number may vary depending on riding conditions and style. Luckily, as your brake pads near the end of their life, you are more likely to notice minor symptoms that are easier to diagnose and repair. Not sure when to replace your brake pads and rotors? Here are six common signs that it’s time for new pads and rotors.
1. Squeaking or Squealing Coming From Brakes
When your brake pads are nearing the end of their useful life, the first symptom you’ll notice is a squeak from your brakes. Squeaky brake pads are usually caused by excessive wear of the pads. When the pads wear out enough, you’ll start hearing a squeak, at which point the rotor will also start to damage, making repairs even more expensive.
2. Grinding Sound When Using Brake
As mentioned above, if you hear a crackling noise when you press the brakes pedal, you need to replace your brake pads as soon as possible. Some brake pads incorporate metal wear indicators designed to make a loud noise to warn you when it’s time to replace the pads. Continuing to polish your brake pads exposes them to more damage and higher repair costs.
3. Vibration When Using Brakes
Vibration when braking is another sign that your vehicle’s braking system needs professional help. You may have a warped rotor and uneven pad wear at the same time.
4. Taking Longer To Stop
Another important sign that you should check your brakes is a loss of power when braking. If the stop time when braking is less than ideal, the brake pads may be worn out or the brakes fluid may be low (often caused by a leak). To really understand what is going on with your brakes, you need to contact a brake mechanic as soon as possible to avoid losing all braking power.
5. Brake Pad Indicator Light Comes On
Most modern vehicles are equipped with a brake warning light displayed on the dashboard. One of them is the anti-lock braking system (ABS). The other is the brake system warning light. Brake lights do not always come on when a problem occurs. It’s also the light that appears on the dashboard when the parking brake is on. However, if the brake warning light is on but the parking brake is not engaged, the system needs to be inspected by a brake professional to diagnose the problem.
6. Your Brake Appear To Be Thin
One easy way to check your brakes is to visually inspect them for wear. To do this, look between the spokes of the wheel to find the brakes. If it looks like it’s less than 1/4 inch or 6.4mm thick, you probably need a new set of brake pads.
Kwikkar Lewisville, Passion For Excellence, contact us now:+1 (972) 318-0234