How Often Should Brake Pads Be Changed?
How well do you know your vehicle? If you’re a conscientious driver, you pay attention to how your vehicle performs in various situations. By knowing what to listen for and understanding how your vehicle operates is key in maintaining your vehicle so you are driving as safe as possible. One of the biggest safety issues that are often neglected is fully functioning brakes. How do you know when the rotors need to be replaced? How often should brake pads be changed? Should you ever replace the calipers? These are all good questions to ask your brake repair technician.
If you understand how brakes work, you will realize the importance of taking care of them. Here is a simple explanation—when the brake pedal is applied, the calipers cause the brake pads to clamp down on the brake rotors (also called discs). This pressure on the rotors prevents them from spinning, stopping your car.
So how often should brake pads be changed and how often do brake rotors need to be replaced? Depending on your style of driving, the weight of your vehicle, the quality of the brake components, and the use of your vehicle, the typical mileage interval for replacing rotors and pads is about every 70,000 miles. Just remember that both pads and rotors need to be replaced in pairs for even stopping performance.
If you’re concerned about your brakes, here a few signs of problems to watch for:
- Screeching or squealing noise – This sound is caused by a small, metallic shim indicator that’s embedded in the brake pad for this purpose.
- Pads that are too thin – Brake pads should not be less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters) in depth. They can be visually inspected by looking through the tire spokes.
- Metallic Grinding and Growling – The brake pads are worn away, resulting in metal on metal contact between the discs and calipers.
- Dash Warning Lights – Newer vehicles may be equipped with an indicator light on the dashboard signaling when it’s time to replace the brake pads. Check your owner’s manual to see if your car has this sensor.
Wondering how often should brake pads be changed? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about brake rotors and pads and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
How well do you know your vehicle? If you’re a conscientious driver, you pay attention to how your vehicle performs in various situations. By knowing what to listen for and understanding how your vehicle operates is key in maintaining your vehicle so you are driving as safe as possible. One of the biggest safety issues that are often neglected is fully functioning brakes. How do you know when the rotors need to be replaced? How often should brake pads be changed? Should you ever replace the calipers? These are all good questions to ask your brake repair technician.
If you understand how brakes work, you will realize the importance of taking care of them. Here is a simple explanation—when the brake pedal is applied, the calipers cause the brake pads to clamp down on the brake rotors (also called discs). This pressure on the rotors prevents them from spinning, stopping your car.
So how often should brake pads be changed and how often do brake rotors need to be replaced? Depending on your style of driving, the weight of your vehicle, the quality of the brake components, and the use of your vehicle, the typical mileage interval for replacing rotors and pads is about every 70,000 miles. Just remember that both pads and rotors need to be replaced in pairs for even stopping performance.
If you’re concerned about your brakes, here a few signs of problems to watch for:
- Screeching or squealing noise – This sound is caused by a small, metallic shim indicator that’s embedded in the brake pad for this purpose.
- Pads that are too thin – Brake pads should not be less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters) in depth. They can be visually inspected by looking through the tire spokes.
- Metallic Grinding and Growling – The brake pads are worn away, resulting in metal on metal contact between the discs and calipers.
- Dash Warning Lights – Newer vehicles may be equipped with an indicator light on the dashboard signaling when it’s time to replace the brake pads. Check your owner’s manual to see if your car has this sensor.
Wondering how often should brake pads be changed? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about brake rotors and pads and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
