The braking system of your vehicle is one of its most important safety features. Your brakes should respond the instant you step on the pedal, slowing you down or coming to a complete stop. But as with any other part of your car, periodic brake repair and maintenance will be necessary so that you can drive down the road with confidence in your vehicle’s stopping power.
You may be wondering just how often should you get your brakes changed. Mileage guidelines for replacing brake components will vary depending on several factors. Have your brakes inspected frequently (possibly at every oil change) to make sure they are remaining in good condition or whether it’s time for a needed brake repair. Consider the factors below:
- Quality of Brake Pad – Many of today’s vehicles use a metallic brake pad made up of mixed and bonded iron, copper, steel, and graphite. These pads are extremely durable, but heavier, which can affect your car’s fuel economy. Ceramic brake pads are good if you make frequent hard stops such as in high-traffic areas, producing less dust and longer-lasting, although a little is more pricey. Non-asbestos brake pads are softer, make less noise, but wear out faster than other materials.
- Where You Drive – City driving (more stoplights and heavier traffic) requires more frequent hard stops, using your brakes more often. You will have fewer stops and less traffic on open highways so that you don’t have to use your brakes as often.
- How You Drive – “Riding the brake” or “tailgating,” uses your brakes more frequently and harder. As much as possible, gently coast and apply the brakes gradually when stopping.
- What You Drive – Because drivers can downshift (engine braking) to slow down on a vehicle with a manual stick-shift, these brakes will last longer than those on an automatic vehicle.
- Condition of Calipers – A burning smell coming from your brakes could indicate a stuck caliper. This causes the brake pad to keep rubbing against the rotor, wearing it out faster than normal.
Have more questions about how often should you get your brakes changed? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
The braking system of your vehicle is one of its most important safety features. Your brakes should respond the instant you step on the pedal, slowing you down or coming to a complete stop. But as with any other part of your car, periodic brake repair and maintenance will be necessary so that you can drive down the road with confidence in your vehicle’s stopping power.
You may be wondering just how often should you get your brakes changed. Mileage guidelines for replacing brake components will vary depending on several factors. Have your brakes inspected frequently (possibly at every oil change) to make sure they are remaining in good condition or whether it’s time for a needed brake repair. Consider the factors below:
- Quality of Brake Pad – Many of today’s vehicles use a metallic brake pad made up of mixed and bonded iron, copper, steel, and graphite. These pads are extremely durable, but heavier, which can affect your car’s fuel economy. Ceramic brake pads are good if you make frequent hard stops such as in high-traffic areas, producing less dust and longer-lasting, although a little is more pricey. Non-asbestos brake pads are softer, make less noise, but wear out faster than other materials.
- Where You Drive – City driving (more stoplights and heavier traffic) requires more frequent hard stops, using your brakes more often. You will have fewer stops and less traffic on open highways so that you don’t have to use your brakes as often.
- How You Drive – “Riding the brake” or “tailgating,” uses your brakes more frequently and harder. As much as possible, gently coast and apply the brakes gradually when stopping.
- What You Drive – Because drivers can downshift (engine braking) to slow down on a vehicle with a manual stick-shift, these brakes will last longer than those on an automatic vehicle.
- Condition of Calipers – A burning smell coming from your brakes could indicate a stuck caliper. This causes the brake pad to keep rubbing against the rotor, wearing it out faster than normal.
Have more questions about how often should you get your brakes changed? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
