How Often Should You Get New Brakes?
Unfortunately, there are some drivers who procrastinate when it’s time to get new brakes because the cost doesn’t fit into their budget. However, they should ask themselves, “Is my car safe to drive?” If you find yourself sliding to stops at red lights and stop signs, it’s a sign that your brakes are not fully functioning, you are putting yourself and others at risk by driving with bad brakes. It is time for a needed brake repair!
So how often should you get new brakes? The determining factor is the actual condition of your braking components (rotors, pads, and calipers), 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 (manual or automatic).
Here is a list of questions to ask your mechanic when deciding on what type of brake repair is needed:
- Do all of the components of the braking system need to be replaced at the same time?
- Can I just replace the front brake pads, or should I replace all four at once?
- What does it mean when my mechanic wants to “resurface” the rotors?
- Do the rotors need to be replaced every time I replace the brake pads or can they just be resurfaced?
- What does the term “brake replacement” mean?
- Is it safe to drive a little longer with bad brakes?
At this point, you may be wondering how you can increase the lifespan of your brakes? Smooth and steady driving is the key! Leave enough distance between your car and other vehicles to prevent sudden hard stops. When driving downhill, if possible, downshift and let up on the accelerator to slow down rather than “riding” the brake pedal all the way down the hill. Most importantly, have your brakes inspected frequently, possibly at every tire rotation or oil change service.
Have more questions about how often should you get new brakes? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
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Unfortunately, there are some drivers who procrastinate when it’s time to get new brakes because the cost doesn’t fit into their budget. However, they should ask themselves, “Is my car safe to drive?” If you find yourself sliding to stops at red lights and stop signs, it’s a sign that your brakes are not fully functioning, you are putting yourself and others at risk by driving with bad brakes. It is time for a needed brake repair!
So how often should you get new brakes? The determining factor is the actual condition of your braking components (rotors, pads, and calipers), 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 (manual or automatic).
Here is a list of questions to ask your mechanic when deciding on what type of brake repair is needed:
- Do all of the components of the braking system need to be replaced at the same time?
- Can I just replace the front brake pads, or should I replace all four at once?
- What does it mean when my mechanic wants to “resurface” the rotors?
- Do the rotors need to be replaced every time I replace the brake pads or can they just be resurfaced?
- What does the term “brake replacement” mean?
- Is it safe to drive a little longer with bad brakes?
At this point, you may be wondering how you can increase the lifespan of your brakes? Smooth and steady driving is the key! Leave enough distance between your car and other vehicles to prevent sudden hard stops. When driving downhill, if possible, downshift and let up on the accelerator to slow down rather than “riding” the brake pedal all the way down the hill. Most importantly, have your brakes inspected frequently, possibly at every tire rotation or oil change service.
Have more questions about how often should you get new brakes? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
About the Author
