When Do I Need New Brakes?

Your brake system is the most important safety feature aboard your vehicle, it’s the front line of defense against all collisions. Since they see so much use, your brakes are naturally going to see a lot of wear and tear so it’s important that you keep up with your regular vehicle maintenance.

At Andy Mohr Toyota, we want to make sure that drivers are keeping up with their brake maintenance as much as possible. Read more to learn what Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield drivers should look for when they need new brakes.

When to Replace Brake Pads

When it comes to your brakes, one of the most important parts is your brake pads. Coincidentally though, these are also the parts that are going to see the most wear as they get used. That’s because these parts are made of a high friction material that gradually gets whittled down with brake pressure.

Typically, your brake pads should last for about 30,000 to 35,000 miles, however that number can differ. If you live in a city where there’s a lot of stop-and-go traffic, it’s likely that your brake pads will see faster wear. That’s why it’s a good idea to pay attention to the way your drive feels and sounds when you’re braking.

Signs of Worn Brake Pads

An early sign that your brake pads are wearing down is increased stopping distances. You may also hear a grinding sound coming from your brakes that’s caused by the brake caliper and the brake discs making contact.

There is also a built-in indicator for many cars that takes the form of a metal tab along your brake pad. When you brake with a worn down pad, this tab will rub up against your rotor and create a screeching sound. If you start to hear this, it’s a good sign that your brake pads are due for a replacement.

Signs of Worn Out Brake Rotors

Another common brake part that may need replacement is your brake rotors. Your brake rotors are the part that your brake pads rub up against to stop your car and so they’re going to experience a good amount of friction as well.

Most brake rotors will last until about 70,000 miles, however, depending on your driving style and the road conditions, that can change. Luckily, there are some very clear signs when your brake rotors need to be replaced so pay attention to your car.

One of the early signs that your brake rotors have become warped is if you find that your brake pedal tends to pulsate when braking at low speeds. You may notice pulsating in the brake pedal when making an emergency stop but this is caused by the anti-lock brake system. These vibrations will occur when stopping in general.

Schedule Service at Our Dealership

It’s important for drivers in the Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield areas to keep up with their brake maintenance. That’s where our team at Andy Mohr Toyota comes in, we’ll keep you up to date on all your brake maintenance needs so you can travel in confidence.

If you’re looking to have your brakes replaced soon, schedule a service appointment with us online or over the phone today!