How Do I Know When to Change My Brakes?

If you’ve ever been driving and started to hear that dreadful squealing sound, you’ve experienced one indicator that your brakes may very well need to be changed. There are other indicators as well. Driving with faulty brakes and rotors not only can damage your vehicle, but it can also be hazardous for the driver and passengers in the vehicle.

Here is some important information which will tell you when you should change your brakes and rotors.

Q: What are some signs that I should know, so I can take my vehicle to my mechanic and avoid further damage?

A: Signs to look for are:

• Squealing or screeching noises

• Less than a quarter of an inch of brake pad remaining, which can be determined by a qualified mechanic

• Deep metallic grinding and growling sounds coming from the brakes

• Indicator lights coming on, if the vehicle has this feature

• Leaking brake fluid

• Car pulling to one side when braking

• The vehicle bouncing up and down when you stop

If you experience any of these, head straight to our service department and let us inspect your brakes and rotors. These are most often a definite sign that the pads are worn to the metal.

Q: On average, how long do brake pads last?

A: Generally, there is about a 40,000 mile average on brake pad life. However, it’s not uncommon to see some last 25,000 miles or even 70,000 miles. Factors affecting brake pad life include your driving habits and the quality of the brakes themselves.

Q: Do I need to replace all four brakes at the same time?

A: Potentially no. However, brake pads should always be replaced in pairs. Our trained mechanics will inspect the brakes and advise you on the condition of all four of your brake pads. It’s not uncommon for the front pads to wear out more often since most of the work is done by them when braking.

Q: Can I put new brake pads on old rotors?

When properly installed and used over time, a thin layer of brake pad material transfers over to the rotors. This helps create optimal friction for stopping your vehicle. When a set of brake pads wear out and is replaced with new pads, it’s okay to install them on old rotors if the mechanic determines the rotors are in good condition.

It the rotors have never been replaced, it’s still okay to install the new pads. The worst that can most likely happen is the new pads wear unevenly and don’t last as long as you expect.

Q: What is the average life of rotors?

A: Rotors can last anywhere from 20,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on driving habits, manufacturer, and mechanic installation. A qualified mechanic, like those found at Taylor and Sons Chevrolet, can examine your rotors and let you know what they see. Rotors don’t need to be changed as often as brake pads, but should also be replaced in pairs when they need to be changed out.

Q: Should I replace all 4 rotors?

A: This depends on the overall condition of the rotors, as well as where on the vehicle the rotors are wearing out. One of our technicians will inspect your rotors and will advise you on this.

Q: Can I drive with bad rotors?

A: You should definitely avoid driving with warped rotors. Warped rotors can sometimes lead to a brake failure, potentially injuring you and those around you.

As seen above, it’s important for your safety, and your vehicles working condition, that you get your brakes checked at Taylor and Sons Chevrolet as soon as you experience one of the indicators that your brakes are wearing out. This will help avoid further damage to your vehicle, avoiding more costly repairs. Let us inspect your brakes today. We’ll do the job right for you.

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