When you think about the safety systems and equipment in your car, you probably consider the rearview camera or the seatbelts as some of the most vital. However, one of the crucial systems that you can’t drive without is the brake system, which allows you to slow down and stop. Caring for your car’s brakes can ensure that this system is in good shape and able to protect you and others around you on the road.
An Overview of the Brake System
Every vehicle has a brake system that includes several key components, two of which are the brake pads and rotors. When you apply pressure to the brake pedal, the pads use friction to slow down and stop the car. Brake pads are attached to the rotors, which are round wheel brakes. The pads within your brake system are made of a hard material, ranging from organic compounds to asbestos, and wear out over time. They need to be checked and replaced, as do the rotors.
Maintaining the Brake Pads
Caring for your car brakes involves having them checked regularly and replaced when needed. The system will usually give off a warning when it’s nearing time for replacement, such as a high-pitched squeal when you press the pedal. Within most brake pads, you’ll find a sheet of metal, which is called an indicator. When the pad is nearly worn out and the indicator is exposed, you’ll hear the squealing sound that tells you it’s time for new brake pads.
Not all brake pads contain indicators, so be aware of other signs of potential brake issues. Some of these signs include soft or unresponsive brakes and a pedal that you have to press harder than usual. The average lifespan of brake pads is between 25,000 and 65,000 miles.
Rotor Maintenance
The rotors in your brake system usually last longer than the pads. In fact, many drivers can have the pads replaced two or three times before having to do the rotors. However, when you notice the warning signs of worn-out rotors, it’s important to act quickly and get them fixed. A grinding sound when you brake is one of the key indicators. You may be able to have your rotors turned, which involves shaving them down to reveal a smooth, rounded surface, although this isn’t always an option.
Alter Your Driving Habits
Certain driving habits can impact how long your brake pads and rotors last. If you’re heavy on the pedal, braking hard and stopping quickly, you could find that you have to replace these components more often. Loading down your car with heavy cargo can also wear out the pads and rotors faster, so keep it as lightweight as possible. Another way to extend the lifespan of your brakes is to have the lines flushed every few years.
At Brown-Lee Ford, our service department offers brake service and other automotive services. If you’d like to check that your brakes are still functional or have a repair done, contact us to schedule an appointment.
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