How Often Does Your Vehicle Need Brake Maintenance?
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technician repairing brakesIf you notice a high-pitched squeal or screech coming from your vehicle's brakes, it’s a clear sign that they're nearing the end of their life and could compromise your safety on the road. This kind of excessive wear can also impact other components like calipers, brake pads, and rotors. So, what should you be thinking about doing next?

Factors Contributing to Wear

Several elements contribute to increased wear on your brakes:

  • Driving habits play a big role. Aggressive braking puts extra stress on the brake pads. To extend their lifespan, try to apply brakes gently and smoothly, avoiding sudden stops.
  • City driving, where stop-and-go traffic is common, tends to wear out brakes faster. Similarly, people living in hilly areas use their brakes more frequently compared to those in flat, rural locations.
  • Brake pads made with harder materials, often found in sports cars, last longer but require some initial heating to work effectively. Conversely, softer compounds perform better in low-speed urban driving conditions.
  • Excessive heat can cause the pad material to bond with the rotors, reducing braking efficiency over time.
  • Some materials, like carbon-ceramic used in performance vehicles, offer a longer lifespan than traditional steel or other metallic options.

Understanding Mileage Expectations

Unlike other routine maintenance tasks, there isn't a fixed mileage schedule for brake replacements. However, checking your owner’s manual is always a good idea, especially during regular service visits such as oil changes or tire rotations, which typically occur every six months.

A typical driver might expect to replace their brakes around 50,000 miles. However, depending on factors like terrain and driving style, this could vary significantly. For instance, someone in a hilly urban area might need replacements closer to 25,000 miles, whereas someone cruising through rural landscapes might stretch it to 70,000 miles.

Recognizing Warning Signs

Considering all these aspects, here are some key indicators that it’s time for brake maintenance:

  • Squealing or Scraping Noises: Most brake pads come equipped with small metal tabs designed to contact the rotor when the pads are nearly worn out. This creates a distinctive squeal or scrape, signaling the need for replacement. Ignoring this warning can lead to further damage, causing vibrations in the steering wheel or a pulsating sensation when braking.
  • Steering Wheel Vibrations: These suggest your rotors may have warped due to overheating or prolonged use. In such cases, a mechanic will either resurface the rotors or replace them entirely.
  • Grinding Sounds: Hearing grinding noises means your brake pads have worn completely through, requiring immediate attention.
  • Dashboard Warning Lights: If the brake warning light stays illuminated longer than usual upon starting the car, it could signal issues like low fluid levels, leaks, or problems with the master cylinder.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t delay seeking professional help. DaSilva’s Auto Body offers reliable brake diagnostics and repairs at competitive prices. Give us a call at our Naugatuck location to book an appointment today!

Remember, neglecting brake maintenance not only poses risks to yourself but also affects others sharing the road. Regular checks ensure peace of mind while driving and help avoid costly repairs down the line.

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