How Often Do You Need to Change Your Brakes?
If you are an experienced driver, you understand that properly working brakes is an absolute must for safe driving! If your vehicle fails to come to a stop when and where you expect, you could be just minutes away from an accident. Drivers should be able to detect when a brake repair has become a necessity for a safe vehicle.
You may be wondering how often do you need to change your brakes? The answer is simple—whenever you notice any of the problems below:
- Brake light comes on and stays on.
- Squealing, squeaking, or grinding noises.
- Wobbling, vibration, or scraping.
- Leaking fluid around the brake pads.
- Spongy or soft brake pedal.
- Car pulls to one side when braking.
- Burning smell while driving.
- Bouncing up and down when you make a hard stop.
So that you understand how to extend the life of your brakes and help prevent a major brake repair, consider the following questions:
- What is your style of driving? As much as possible, gradually let the car come to a stop while gently stepping on the brake pedal. Avoid stomping down hard and fast on the brake pedal.
- How much cargo do you carry? The stopping power of brakes is based on the weight of the vehicle, plus the passenger limit. Overloading your vehicle with extra “stuff” significantly diminishes the effectiveness of the brakes.
- What is the quality of the brake components in your vehicle? The quality of the brake components, such as the pads and rotors, impacts your stopping power as well as how long your brakes will last.
- How do you use your vehicle? Pulling heavy loads, driving in mountainous terrain, or making frequent stop-and-go trips (such as driving in the city), means that you will be applying the brakes harder and more frequently, causing them to wear faster.
Wondering how often do you need to change your brakes? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about needed brake service and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
If you are an experienced driver, you understand that properly working brakes is an absolute must for safe driving! If your vehicle fails to come to a stop when and where you expect, you could be just minutes away from an accident. Drivers should be able to detect when a brake repair has become a necessity for a safe vehicle.
You may be wondering how often do you need to change your brakes? The answer is simple—whenever you notice any of the problems below:
- Brake light comes on and stays on.
- Squealing, squeaking, or grinding noises.
- Wobbling, vibration, or scraping.
- Leaking fluid around the brake pads.
- Spongy or soft brake pedal.
- Car pulls to one side when braking.
- Burning smell while driving.
- Bouncing up and down when you make a hard stop.
So that you understand how to extend the life of your brakes and help prevent a major brake repair, consider the following questions:
- What is your style of driving? As much as possible, gradually let the car come to a stop while gently stepping on the brake pedal. Avoid stomping down hard and fast on the brake pedal.
- How much cargo do you carry? The stopping power of brakes is based on the weight of the vehicle, plus the passenger limit. Overloading your vehicle with extra “stuff” significantly diminishes the effectiveness of the brakes.
- What is the quality of the brake components in your vehicle? The quality of the brake components, such as the pads and rotors, impacts your stopping power as well as how long your brakes will last.
- How do you use your vehicle? Pulling heavy loads, driving in mountainous terrain, or making frequent stop-and-go trips (such as driving in the city), means that you will be applying the brakes harder and more frequently, causing them to wear faster.
Wondering how often do you need to change your brakes? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about needed brake service and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
