When to Replace Your Brakes: 5 Warning Signs
Your car's brakes keep you safe on every drive, but they don't last forever. Your brake system includes several components that wear over time, including brake pads and rotors. Knowing when these parts need replacing is easier than you might think once you know what to look for.
How Your Car's Brake System Works
Considering the complexity of most systems within your vehicle, your car's brake system is one of the more straightforward to understand. The process of bringing your vehicle to a stop relies on a few critical components working together:
- Brake pedal: The pedal you press to activate the braking system.
- Brake fluid: Also known as hydraulic fluid, brake fluid flows through your braking system via brake lines. It translates the downward brake pedal travel into squeezing the brake caliper on the brake rotor. A loss of brake fluid means the caliper pistons can't clamp down and stop the car.
- Brake rotor: The brake rotor is a flat metal disc fixed to the wheel hub that turns with the wheels. The brake caliper and pads sit on the rotor and clamp it to slow and stop your vehicle.
- Brake pads: Brake pads are the friction material that presses against the rotor to slow and stop your vehicle. As they wear away, they must be replaced to ensure you can safely stop your car.
If you pay attention to how your vehicle sounds and handles, you can tell when it's time for a new set of brake pads.
When to Replace Your Brakes
Most brake pads last between 25,000 and 75,000 miles, depending on your driving habits, vehicle type, and driving conditions. Most brake systems on modern vehicles are disc brakes, compared to older cars that tend to have drum brakes. Lightly used brakes can last toward the higher end of that range, while vehicles driven in heavy stop-and-go traffic or used for towing tend to need new pads and rotors closer to 25,000 to 30,000 miles.
Here are the five most common warning signs that your brakes need attention:
- Poor braking performance
- Squealing noise when braking
- Vehicle pulls left or right
- Low brake fluid warning light
- Grooved or glazed brake rotors
1. Poor Braking Performance
One of the first indications that your car needs new brakes often shows up in how the pedal feels. If your car isn't stopping the way it typically does or the pedal travels differently than before, the braking system may not be working correctly. If you're uncomfortable inspecting your brakes yourself, many auto shops specializing in brakes offer free or low-cost inspections to pinpoint the root of the issue.
2. Squealing Noise When You Apply the Brakes
If you drive around town enough, you're bound to hear a high-pitched whine when braking, whether from your car or another vehicle. This whine signals that the brake pad material has worn down enough (about 2/32 of an inch) to expose a "wear indicator," a small metal piece. When the wear indicator contacts the rotor's surface, it emits a shrill squealing noise.
3. Car Pulls to the Left or Right When Braking
The tendency to pull left or right when you brake suggests uneven brake pad wear, but it can also mean your car needs an alignment. When you brake, the weight distribution across both axles can shift the suspension geometry, and if your vehicle isn't aligned correctly, the suspension won't react as it should. If the pulling stems from your car's brakes, it can indicate something's wrong with the components on one side, such as an air pocket in the brake line. For example, the braking force may be stronger on one side, potentially due to increased friction.
4. Low Brake Fluid Warning Light Illuminates
An illuminated brake fluid warning light on the driver's dashboard may not necessarily indicate brake replacement, but it's still cause for concern. A lack of brake fluid to compress the brake caliper piston means you cannot stop the vehicle safely. Inspect your vehicle's brake lines for leaks. If you can't find anything, top off the brake fluid and schedule an appointment with a trusted repair provider.
5. When to Replace Your Brake Rotors
Since brake rotors are typically more accessible than brake pads, visually inspecting the surface can indicate whether they need replacing. If you notice grooves or a glazed sheen on the rotor's surface, replacement is in order. Pulsing feedback from the brakes through the brake pedal, poor brake performance, and grinding can also indicate the rotor is warped or worn.
How to Extend the Life of Your Car's Brakes
Replacing your brakes can cut into your car maintenance budget. Here are a few ways you can increase the longevity of your car's brakes and spend less on replacement parts:
- Ensure you release the emergency brake before driving.
- Refrain from accelerating or braking too quickly.
- Allow for an adequate stopping distance between your car and the one in front of you.
- Don't ride the brakes, especially if you're traveling downhill.
- Avoid constantly loading your car up to or past the recommended weight capacity.
- Keep towing to a minimum, especially heavy loads.
Waiting to replace your brakes can put you and your passengers at risk. Delaying the replacement of a single brake system component can put excess stress on the rest of the system, and the inability to stop can lead to an accident.
Keep Your Brakes in Safe Working Condition
Brake maintenance is as critical as changing your oil, checking your tire pressure, and ensuring your engine has enough coolant. Visually inspect your brakes regularly to keep yourself and your passengers safe on the road. The next time you get behind the wheel, consider how often you rely on your car's brakes to stop your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my brake pads need replacing?
Common signs include a high-pitched squealing noise when braking, longer stopping distances, the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy, and your vehicle pulling to one side. If you notice any of these, have your brakes inspected promptly.
How long do brake pads typically last?
Brake pads generally last between 25,000 and 75,000 miles. The range depends on your driving habits, vehicle type, and whether you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or tow heavy loads.
Can worn brake pads damage my rotors?
Yes. Driving on worn brake pads can score and warp your rotors, turning a simple pad replacement into a more expensive repair. Replacing your pads on time helps protect your rotors and keeps your braking system working safely.
The information in this article is provided for educational purposes and may not reflect every situation. While we strive for accuracy, this content is general guidance, not a substitute for visiting your local collision repair provider. For questions about your specific vehicle or repair needs, contact your local Crash Champions team.
