As with any other components of your car, brakes wear out as the miles add up and will eventually need some form of repair. If your brakes don’t respond the instant you step on the pedal, you should request an appointment with a brake repair mechanic as soon as possible.
What can you do to increase the lifespan of your brakes and prevent an urgent brake repair? Smooth and steady driving is the key! Prevent sudden hard stops by leaving sufficient distance between your car and other vehicles. When driving downhill, downshift and let up on the accelerator to slow down rather than “riding” the brake pedal all the way down the hill. Have your brakes checked frequently, possibly at every tire rotation service?
How often do you need brakes replaced? This will depend on various factors, such as:
- Quality of the brake pad,
- Where you drive (the condition of the road),
- How you drive (hard sudden stops or gentle coasting when stopping),
- What kind of transmission you drive (automatic or manual)
- Condition of rotors and calipers
Some indicators of a needed brake repair may be:
- Soft feeling brakes. Condensation collecting in the brake fluid reservoir, air in the brake lines, brake line damage, or low brake fluid can cause your brakes to feel spongy.
- Smoking brakes. Brake pads burned by aggressive driving might actually begin to smoke and release a bad odor.
- Squealing brakes. Brake pads can become “glazed” from exposure to the excessive heat generated by friction, emitting a screeching sound when the brakes are applied.
As soon as you suspect brake issues, slow down and find a safe place to pull over. If you don’t have very far to go to a brake repair shop, delay for your brakes to cool down before driving on. To be safe, you may want to call roadside assistance for towing.
Have more questions about how often do you need brakes replaced? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake repair service and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
