Perhaps the most important part of your car is the brakes. Stopping on a dime is what keeps you safe.
Brake pads should be replaced between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, and brake rotors between 50,000 and 70,000 miles. This number varies based on driving conditions and driving styles. When your brake pads are nearing the end of their life, you'll likely notice small symptoms, which make diagnosis and repair easy. Not sure when it's time to replace your brake pads or rotors? There are 6 common signs that your brake pads and rotors need to be replaced.
1. Squeaking or squealing from the brakes
You'll first notice squeaking or squealing sounds coming from your brakes when your brake pads are near the end of their lives. In most cases, brake pads that squeal are excessively worn down. Eventually, when your pads are worn down enough, you will hear a grinding noise, which will also lead to rotor damage, making the cost of repair even higher.
2. Grinding noise when braking
If your brake pedal is making grinding noises when you press on it, it's probably time to replace the brake pads. Metal wear indicators are sometimes built into brake pads, which are designed to sound a loud alarm when it's time to replace the pads. In addition to potentially causing more damage, leaving the brake pads to grind will increase the cost of repairs.
3. Braking vibrations
Another indicator that your vehicle's braking system needs to be serviced is vibration when you apply the brakes. It's likely that your brake pads are wearing unevenly because of warped rotors.
4. Taking a longer time to stop
Loss of performance when applying the brakes is another sign that you need to have your brakes inspected. When you apply your brakes, you may experience less than ideal stopping time, meaning your brake pads have worn down completely or your brake fluid is low (usually because of a leak). If you want to know what's wrong with your brakes, it's best to see a brake mechanic as soon as possible so you don't lose your braking ability.
5. Brake Pad Indicator Light Turns On
Brake warning lights are found on the dashboards of most modern vehicles. Antilock Braking System (ABS) and brake system warning lights are both located on your dashboard. When you engage your parking brake, your brake light will also come on. Your brake light won't always come on when there's a problem - it appears when your parking brake is engaged as well. A brake expert should diagnose your issues if your parking brake is not being used and you are seeing a brake warning light.
6. Your brake pads appear thin
Checking your brake pads visually for wear is an easy way to check their condition. Locate the brake pad between the spokes of your wheels. You might need a set of new brake pads if they are less than 14.5 inches or 6.4 mm thick.
Are you having brake problems?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, contact one of our expert brake techs. Whether you're at work or at home, our brake repair services are top-rated and affordable. Visit us at FK Autoparts or call us on +965 9774 3054 / +965 9793 0607 to get more information.