Jack Williams

When Do I Need to Replace My Car Brakes?

Replacing car brakes is a necessity but it is something that can vary with each vehicle. Similar to the variation of gas mileage depending on where and how you drive, the same variation applies to the life of brake pads (or linings). The brake pads are the friction material that gets pressed against a metal disc or drum to stop your vehicle.

If you drive less than 10,000 miles a year in an urban setting with stop and go traffic and you have a lead foot, you may need to replace brake pads more often than someone who drives almost 30,000 miles on a highway or rural flat areas like Florida or Nebraska.

Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut schedule that tells you when it's time to replace the brakes. The best advise is to have your brake pads reviewed by an experienced technician every six months or so when your tires or rotated or every other oil change. A mechanic can check the thickness of the pads and the condition of the brake hardware to spot wear.

Many cars have built-in wear sensors that scrape against a brake disc when the linings needed replacing. The driver will hear an annoying screeching sound when they apply the brakes (or when the brakes are released on some vehicles). Drivers of vehicles without sensors should be aware of squeaks, squeals, grinding (often a sign that brake pads are entirely gone) and other noises that indicate wear. Some minor noises can be eliminated by cleaning the brakes, but persistent, prominent noises usually mean parts are worn.

Obviously, safety is a major concern for all vehicles so if you are in doubt of the state of your brakes, have them checked by a qualified professional.

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Jack Williams Tire & Auto Service Centers specializes in all of your vehicle's service needs. Whether your vehicle needs factory scheduled maintenance, state inspections or emission inspections, Jack Williams' ASE certified professionals know just how to help you. Visit any of our 29 locations to meet with Jack Williams' team of experts for alignments, brakes, shocks, struts, exhausts, batteries, fluid services, oil changes, filters, belts, hoses, diagnostics and more! Jack Williams Tire is proud to employ ASE certified technicians.