Worried About How Often Should You Get Your Brakes Replaced?

If you’re a new driver, you may be wondering just how often should you get your brakes replaced. There is actually no set maintenance schedule to tell you when it’s time to replace your brakes. According to many brake repair technicians, the best way to determine if your brakes are still good or if they are starting to fail is to rely on your senses (what you hear and feel) when you step on the brake pedal.

For example, are you starting to hear a screeching sound or feel an unusual vibration when you step on the brake pedal? A built-in wear sensor scrapes against a brake disc when the pads needed replacing. Cleaning the brakes may eliminate some of the noise, but if the noises are persistent, it usually means parts are worn out and it’s time for a brake repair.

Another example to consider is if you see the brake warning light on the instrument panel illuminate while you are driving down the road. This is an indicator that the brake fluid level is too low, either caused by a leak or a problem within the master cylinder.

So, if you’re wondering how often should you get your brakes replaced, there are several factors to consider:

• Your style of driving—Do you coast to a stop or do you make fast hard stops?
• The weight of your vehicle—Do you overload your vehicle with unnecessary cargo?
• The quality of the brake materials—Did you use high-quality parts or did you go with the cheapest on the market?
• How you use your vehicle—Do you tow a trailer or consistently drive on mountainous roads with steep inclines and declines?

A word of advice: Have your brakes inspected about every six months, (or at the same time as a tire rotation service). A brake repair technician will check the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the rotors and calipers. A visual inspection is one of the best ways to determine the amount of life left in your brakes!

Are you worried about how often should you get your brakes replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at B & L Auto Service in Whitehouse, OH, for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop is proud to serve vehicle owners in Whitehouse, OH, and the surrounding areas.