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When Should I Change My Brakes? 5 Signs It’s Time For Service

When Should I Change My Brakes? 5 Signs It’s Time For Service

Keeping your brakes in proper working condition is critical for safety and fuel economy, but many drivers still hit the road with no knowledge of recommended replacement intervals or the signs of imminent brake failure.

To help you stay safe, maximize fuel savings, and avoid costly system failures, today’s post answers three important questions:

  1. How often do brake pads need to be replaced?
  2. Do front brake pads need to be replaced more often than rear brake pads?
  3. What are the 5 signs of brake trouble?

Read on to learn more, or call (905) 627-3355 to speak directly with a brake specialist in Dundas, ON

How Often Do Brake Pads Need To Be Replaced?

On average, most OEM brake pads need to be replaced after about 75,000km of driving. That said, replacement intervals vary widely depending on brake pad manufacturer, vehicle type, and driving habits, from as little as 25,000km to as much as 100,000km.

Front brake pads will also wear down faster than those on the rear axle, so you should plan to replace these more often. This is because weight transfers forward whenever you apply the brakes, lessening the load on the rear pads and forcing the front pads to bear the brunt of the wear.

To get a more accurate estimate, consult your owner’s manual or get in touch with our brake specialists in Dundas, ON.

5 Signs Your Brake Needs Immediate Service:

Along with longer stopping times and poor brake responsiveness, you should book an immediate inspection if:

  1. Your brakes are screaming for help. Most brake pads are built with wear indicators that emit a squealing, screeching, or whining noise when it’s time for a replacement. But beware: not all brake pads come equipped with wear indicators, and even healthy brakes can be noisy on rainy days. For this reason, you should not rely solely on sound to assess the condition of your brakes.
  2. Your brake pads look worse for wear. Do your brake pads pass the eye test? If your brake pads are worn to less than a ¼ inch thick, or about 7mm, you should book an inspection as soon as possible.
  3. Your brake light is on. Some vehicles make brake assessments exceptionally easy with automatic low-pad warnings built right into the dashboard. If your vehicle is equipped with this wear warning system, you should book an inspection as soon as the light comes on.
  4. Your brakes are leaking fluid. If you notice a fluid leak, it’s only a matter of time before your braking system fails. Look for a pool of light yellow or brown fluid under your vehicle.
  5. Your brakes are glazed. When overheated, your brakes may become glazed, which means they lack the necessary friction to stop your vehicle safely. You should book an inspection as soon as you detect any warning signs, which includes shaky brake pedals, longer stopping distances, brake slipping, and pulling to the left or right.

Get A Free Quote On Brake Pad Replacements In Dundas, ON

Since 1984, Eccles Auto Service has been helping Dundas area drivers stay safe and save money with affordable brake services and brake inspections, and we can do the same for you.

To consult with our team and get a free quote, you can:

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