How do you know if you need new brakes – Jalopnik

Brakes often tell you something is wrong long before you have trouble stopping. The trick is to pay attention to the early warning signs and not to confuse these red flags with normal wear and tear or traffic noise. Staying attentive starts with paying attention to unusual sounds such as squeaking or grinding noises. From there, you may notice vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel when you brake. If you ignore these signs or choose to delay repairs, more urgent warnings may surface. In addition to the longer braking distance, the car can pull to one side when braking.

To control brake wear, you may only need to replace the brake pads. These usually need to be replaced every 20,000 to 70,000 kilometers, depending on your car and your driving habits. You don’t always have to replace all four brake pads at once, but it’s worth checking all the brake pads at the same time. Under ideal conditions, rotors can last longer; some sources say more than 70,000 miles.

Do you remember the sounds mentioned in the previous section? Listening is often the first step in diagnosing brake problems. Brake pads have built-in audible wear indicators that generate a high-pitched squeak during braking once the brake pads reach a certain level. The idea is to let you know in advance that you need to replace the electrodes before they are too thin. Early action can prevent the need to replace the more expensive rotors. It is normal to hear a small squeaking noise if moisture or light rust has built up on the rotors, but persistent noises generated during stopping should not be ignored.

Carrying out a visual check can also detect braking problems at an early stage. Examine the thickness of the brake pads (located behind the wheels, against the rotors). The minimum pad thickness for safe use is 3mm (approximately 1/8 inch), but replacements may be required sooner. Noise and thin brake pads can be accompanied by a vibrating sensation in the brake pedal or steering wheel, which may indicate worn brake pads or problems with the rotor surface.

The driving experience can then transition to longer braking distances or extra pedal pressure to come to a stop, which is more difficult to detect. The brake pads may not provide enough friction against the rotors.

Delaying braking work after the first warning signals can compromise safety. A loud grinding or scraping sound usually means metal-on-metal contact between the brake pad backing plate and the rotor. This could seriously damage the brake components and replacing them could cost a lot more money than just a set of brake pads. Another non-noise related problem could be the car pulling or steering to one side when the brakes are applied. This is often a sign of uneven brake pad wear (one side wears faster than the other), and it can be the result of a larger problem, such as a seized caliper.

Any change in brake pedal feel could be a sign of a serious problem. A spongy feeling when braking, for example, or a pedal sinking to the floor, goes far beyond worn brake pads. The problem may be related to the hydraulics, loss of brake fluid, or air in the brake lines. Treat any change in the firmness of the pedals or the predictability of braking as an urgent safety issue.

Finally, a brake fluid leak is a clear sign that your brakes need service. Keep in mind that there are different types of brake fluid: DOT 3 versus DOT 4 for example, but they look and feel the same. Depending on your vehicle, this hydraulic fluid may be clear or colored (amber, black, brown, blue, red, purple, or green), and the fluid will feel slightly oily. A puddle can build up under the engine compartment, near a wheel or under the car – or it can be as subtle as a small, oozing leak. Sufficient fluid level is required to maintain hydraulic pressure for braking performance. Therefore, keep an eye on your brake fluid through the vehicle’s clear reservoir. If you ever see a brake fluid leak, act immediately.