Having a car means knowing how to maintain it in order to make sure that your drive would go smoothly and you would be able to avoid any kind of accident that could not only endanger you but other people on the road or at the pedestrian as well. There are a lot of things that you should know before you replace your whole brake system and you could visit this page for more information about full brake services for further information.
How Often Should Brake Pads be Replaced?
The number of times and how often you should replace your brake pads would generally depend on how much you use your brake pads. In general, it is often suggested that you should get your brake pads replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles to make sure that your pads are always in mint condition. But you have to replace your rotors between 50,000 and 70,000 miles to make sure that your brakes are always working and you could make sure that there won’t be possible accidents.
What are the different problems with the brake system?
1. You have to press harder to brake
Sometimes, you are going to have to press harder on your brakes and add so much more pressure in order to come to a complete stop, when you notice it getting harder, then it’s probably time to get your brakes checked. You would only be able to press so hard before you can’t anymore.
2. You could smell like your tired are burning
The smell of your rubber tires rubbing on the tar of the road is not pleasant, and if you drive in this kind of condition, then it’s going to be unsafe for you and the people around you. So you have to inspect around it to make sure that nothing is wrong and you would be able to get rid of the pungent and specific smell.
3. The brake warning light on your car is on
Aside from all of the other factors that are listed here that you have to look out for, most cars have these brake lights that could want you when it is probably time to go and visit a garage shop to replace your brake pads.
4. There are noises like screeching, squealing, rubbing, and grinding
Usually, an indication that there is something wrong with your car is when you start hearing alarming stuff that you didn’t hear before, this includes when you need to replace your brake pads. You have to inspect where these strange noises are coming from and let them inspect your car so that you could avoid any other repairs.
5. You could feel some vibration on your pedal or your steering wheel
You might feel like there are vibrations on your steering wheel, or even on the brake pedal when you go and try to stop your car. Once you notice those vibrations, you could get your brakes checked because your rotors may or may not be able to get all warped through the metals that are rubbing together, which would potentially cost you more for repair.
How to make the rotors last longer:
1. Cruise with the traffic
You could just go with the flow of the traffic, observe the speed limits, and go back to the conservative ways of driving to cause less friction between your tires and the road.
2. If you have junk in your trunk that adds weight, take it off
Too many things in your trunk would make the whole car heavier, adding more friction between your rubber tire and the floor. If you remove all of that unnecessary weight, it would help you add more power and lessen the stress between your brakes and your rotors.
3. Lessen your break use
When you are driving in the city, you’re going to have to use your brakes more, and this would make your brakes wear down easier so if you are living in the city it is best that you go and get your brakes inspected frequently to make sure your brakes don’t wear down.
4. Get rid of your aggressive habits
Last-minute braking would cause you to destroy your rotors and wear down your brakes since you are not slowly easing the gears to the action that you want it to use.
5. Avoid joining the brake riders brigade
Avoid using your brakes as much as possible, especially if pressing the brakes are not necessary to avoid wearing your pads.
Making sure that your brakes are always “healthy” and new ensures that you would be able to use them, especially when it is needed. If you think that your brake pads are slowly being worn out and your rotor is destroyed, make sure you get it inspected before you take your car out for a ride.