Having your brakes replaced is a common auto repair in Williston, ND and something that should be done every so often, depending on the type of driver you are and the distance you’re driving on a monthly basis. For some people, a good set of brake pads can last as long as 70,000 miles, while for others, 25,000 miles might be the average lifespan of their brakes.
Your brakes are going to deteriorate at the rate they’re used—so it goes without saying that if you’re heavy on the brakes, they’re going to wear down a lot faster. Someone who slams on the brakes frequently or who rides them down a steeper slope, for example, is going to put added stress on their pads as opposed to someone who is more anticipatory and conservative in their braking. It’s all a matter of preference.
No matter what type of driver you are, however, your pads will eventually wear thin and when they do, it’ll be time to take your vehicle in for some fresh new pad replacements. But how do you know when the time is right and what should you be looking out for to warn you that a brake replacement is in your not-too-distant future? Take a look at some of the signs:
- If your brakes don’t have the stopping power they once did, it might be time to have a mechanic take a look at the pads to see what kind of wear they’ve suffered. In some cases your brake lines might just need to be bled to restore some power to your brake pedal compression, but in other situations, it’s more likely that the pads themselves need replacing.
- Do you hear a squeaking or grinding noise when you compress the brakes? This is actually manufactured into your rotors! When your brake pads get low and start to grind, the rotors will make noise to let you know that the pads are deteriorating to a dangerous level. When you start hearing noises, it’s time to schedule an appointment for auto repair in Williston, ND.
- Do you smell smoke or burning when you hit the brakes? If so, this could be another sign that grinding is occurring. You should never smell anything when compressing your brakes!
- Is there a stutter or rumble when you compress the brake? If so, this is another sign that grinding is occurring and it’s likely that you’re warping things each time you compress the brakes. Have a mechanic inspect to confirm this, then have your brake pads replaced.
Going above and beyond, it’s a good idea to have your brakes inspected at every third oil change after your car passes 50,000 miles. This is about the time brakes start to wear down and tracking your brakes every 50,000 miles or every third oil change past that point is going to alert you to the need for replacements before you encounter the above symptoms on the road.
Brake replacements are no sweat off your back and could be the difference between stopping short of an accident and being in one. Talk to your mechanic today about your brakes and make sure you know what condition they’re in.