How Long Should Car Brakes Last?

Your brakes are one of the most vital parts of your vehicle. If they are not working properly, it is not safe to drive your car. In addition, no one wants to get behind the wheel of a vehicle if they don’t think the brakes are doing their job; it is distracting and can alter the way you drive the car. Many people aren’t aware of how long brakes last or the signs that a replacement should be imminent. Because the brakes serve such an important role, it is crucial to learn more about this system so that you can recognize when your vehicle needs to go into the shop.

Brake Life

There are many factors that go into the life of your brakes. First, your driving style plays a role. Your brakes will wear out faster if you take sharp corners at a high speed and generally engage in aggressive driving. Quick starts and stops are also detrimental to your vehicle. If you want your brakes to last, it is important to slow down, so that you decrease the amount of friction on your brake pads. Slowing down has another important benefit; it helps you save money on gas!

Lighten your load when you get behind the wheel of a car. If you have a bunch of items in your vehicle, it takes more effort for the car to stop. Of course, you can’t kick out one of your extra riders because you are worried about your brakes, but you can take a few simple steps to avoid problems. If you have items in your vehicle that you don’t need to carry around with you, get rid of them. Try to minimize the amount of weight in your vehicle at any given time. As with the previous suggestion, doing so will help you conserve your fuel as well.

Not all brake pads are created equal, so what you have to work with affects the life of the pads as well. In general, you can expect to get anywhere from 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles out of your car. If you are engaging in some of the behaviors that may decrease the life of your brakes at a rapid pace, change your habits now for best results.

The Warning Signs

There are several signs that indicate that you need new brakes on your vehicle. For example, if you feel the car pulling when you push on the brakes, that is not a good sign. In addition, if it takes you longer to stop, if your brake fluid is low, or if your wheels lock up when you brake, you need to consider bringing the car to a shop. Noises are never a good sign either; when you hit your brakes, you shouldn’t hear grinding or squeaking. If you are concerned, ask a mechanic to evaluate the state of your brakes.

If you think your brakes are beginning to wear out, swing by Ethan’s Honest Automotive to have one of their trained technicians take a look at your vehicle. After examining the brake system, they will let you know if further action needs to be taken. Once you have properly functioning brakes on your car again, it will almost be like driving a brand new vehicle!