The Importance of Brake Pad Maintenance
If you do a simple search online to see how long brake pads or brake shoes last, you’ll find a large range. Some sites say brake pads can last for as little as 10,000 miles, while other sites say they can last for as long as 70,000. This is because there are numerous factors that affect how long brake pads last, including the type of pads installed, if you drive more on the freeway or city driving, and how safe of a driver you are. The best way to tell when your brakes need to be replaced is by taking a look at their thickness. If your brake pads look to be less than 1/4 inch thick, they need to be replaced, according to our industry knowledge. In this blog, we’ll discuss why taking care of your brake pads is so important.
Prevent Damage to Other Parts of Your Brake System
When your brake pads wear out, they can start to grind or dig into your brake rotors or drums. Once the padding on brake pads wears off, all that is left behind is metal. So, essentially, you have metal grinding into metal to bring your car to a stop. This creates grooves in your rotors or drums that cannot be repaired. As such, these parts will need to be replaced as well if you wait too long to replace your brake pads.
Ensure Your Car is Safe to Operate
If your brake pads have worn out, your car becomes less safe to operate. Your stopping time can increase, which increases your chances of an accident. You never know what is going to come your way when you’re driving, and being able to brake or stop as quickly as possible helps to keep you and everyone in the car safer. The longer you drive with worn brake pads, the slower your car’s stopping distance will become. An auto shop can help you to replace your brake pads as needed, ensuring your car is safe to operate.
If you notice that your brakes are squealing or screeching when you press on them, or if you notice that it’s taking longer for your car to come to a stop, you may need brake pad replacement completed by an auto shop. When you need an auto shop to help maintain or repair your brakes, we can help. Call Kruse Automotive today to learn more.
