How do you know when your brakes need replacing?
Buying a car or truck is one of the largest expenses most people will undertake in their lifetime. But there are many risks associated with purchasing a new set of brakes for your vehicle. Brake replacement is often a decision of necessity, as opposed to choice. Although you may know that your brakes need replacing, you may be unprepared for the sheer expense associated with brake replacement.
How do you know when your brakes need replacing?
- Brakes squeal when cold – One of the most common signs that indicate your brakes need replacing is the sound of brakes squealing. This noise means your brake pads have worn out. When the brake pads wear out, they no longer provide sufficient friction to stop your vehicle at normal traffic speed. This is why you experience braking problems, especially during colder temperatures.
- Wheels lock up while braking – Another sign that your brakes need to be replaced is when your wheels lock up during normal braking. This is a sign that your brake pads have worn out. The age of your vehicle will often coincide with the number of years of use you've had on your brakes before they need to be replaced.
- Brakes are hot – When you pull up to a stop light, it can be frustrating when the brakes get too hot and require a lot of force to grab the brake pedal. Often times this happens because some moisture has accumulated in the brake pads. The moisture gets trapped between the pads and causes them to heat up quickly when you try to apply pressure so that it can't work effectively. As a result, the pedal will remain firm while you are stopping and may cause you to experience a panic stop.
- The vehicle pulls to one side when braking – This happens when the brakes are turned unevenly which makes the brake pads wear unevenly. You need to have your brakes checked by a professional mechanic if this occurs so they can be turned equally and even out.
Under normal circumstances, brake pads last from 20,000 - 40,000 miles depending on your driving habits.
Want to know more about how do you know when your brakes need replacing? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about a brake replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
Buying a car or truck is one of the largest expenses most people will undertake in their lifetime. But there are many risks associated with purchasing a new set of brakes for your vehicle. Brake replacement is often a decision of necessity, as opposed to choice. Although you may know that your brakes need replacing, you may be unprepared for the sheer expense associated with brake replacement.
How do you know when your brakes need replacing?
- Brakes squeal when cold – One of the most common signs that indicate your brakes need replacing is the sound of brakes squealing. This noise means your brake pads have worn out. When the brake pads wear out, they no longer provide sufficient friction to stop your vehicle at normal traffic speed. This is why you experience braking problems, especially during colder temperatures.
- Wheels lock up while braking – Another sign that your brakes need to be replaced is when your wheels lock up during normal braking. This is a sign that your brake pads have worn out. The age of your vehicle will often coincide with the number of years of use you've had on your brakes before they need to be replaced.
- Brakes are hot – When you pull up to a stop light, it can be frustrating when the brakes get too hot and require a lot of force to grab the brake pedal. Often times this happens because some moisture has accumulated in the brake pads. The moisture gets trapped between the pads and causes them to heat up quickly when you try to apply pressure so that it can't work effectively. As a result, the pedal will remain firm while you are stopping and may cause you to experience a panic stop.
- The vehicle pulls to one side when braking – This happens when the brakes are turned unevenly which makes the brake pads wear unevenly. You need to have your brakes checked by a professional mechanic if this occurs so they can be turned equally and even out.
Under normal circumstances, brake pads last from 20,000 - 40,000 miles depending on your driving habits.
Want to know more about how do you know when your brakes need replacing? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about a brake replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
