Your vehicle’s brake system may be one of the most important systems for the safety of both you and other drivers. Like anything else, brakes wear down over time and need to be replaced. In this article, we’re going to discuss two different kinds of brakes and signs that they need replacing.
Disc Brakes and Drum Brakes
Most vehicles are outfitted with either disc brakes or drum brakes. Both of these brakes rely on friction material to slow the car down. While there are some similarities, there are also important differences.
| Disc Brakes | Drum Brakes |
| Disc brakes rely on brake pads (friction material) to slow vehicles. When you use your brake pedal, this causes the brake pad to press against the brake’s rotor. The resulting friction is what slows your vehicle down. Most vehicles with disc brakes have them on the front axle and some include a second set on the rear axle. | Drum brakes work similarly to disc brakes. Instead of a pad, they have half-moon shaped friction material known as a shoe that presses against the inside of a drum when you engage the brakes. Most newer cars and light trucks that utilize drum brakes have them on the rear axles. Some older cars have them on all four wheels. |
Because both disc brakes and drum brakes utilize friction as a means of slowing the vehicle, both the pads and the shoes wear down with every use. After enough time, the pad or shoe will be too thin for proper use. When the pad or shoe wears off completely, the disc or drum will be at risk of damage and your safety will be at risk too.
Signs to Watch Out For
Below are some signs that may indicate you need to change your brakes.
Squealing or Screeching Sounds
One of the most common signs that your brake pads need to be replaced is a screeching or squealing sound when you use them. In some cases, this sound is created by a wear indicator, and it’s designed to warn you that the pads are getting thin. It’s important to note that not every brake includes this feature, and you shouldn’t wait for your breaks to squeal to have them checked. You might notice squealing after your car has been exposed to moisture (like after a rainfall). If it’s caused by rain, the squealing should stop after the first few uses.
Grinding or Growling Sounds
A deep grinding or growling sound when you brake is a bad sign. This likely means that your pads or shoes have worn off and your disc or drum is making contact with the metal underneath. This metal-on-metal friction can cause expensive damage to rotors, calipers, and other braking components. It’s also more dangerous to drive with worn brakes as it can lead to longer stopping times.
Your Car Veering to One Side
There are a few things that cause cars to veer to one side or another. If your brakes are the culprit, this veering will primarily happen when you’re braking. This can occur when one pad is more worn than the other. The side of the vehicle with a worn pad won’t receive as much stopping power and can swing out because of this.
Low Brake Fluid
Brake fluid plays an important role in how your brakes function. While low brake fluid can be caused by a leak, it can also be caused by worn brake pads. When the pads are too thin, the calipers will stretch more and brake fluid may try to compensate by filling that extra space. When you have low brake fluid, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle inspected instead of just topping off the fluid levels.
Slow Stopping Time
If you’ve driven your vehicle for any length of time, you likely know how fast it can and can’t stop. When your brake pads or shoes have worn down too much, it’ll take longer for your vehicle to stop. This is because the worn material can’t create proper amounts of friction to slow your vehicle. Slow stopping times can also indicate a leak in your brake fluid. Either way, it’s important to have your vehicle checked when you notice a slow stopping response.
Vibrations when Braking
There may be such a thing as good vibrations, but vibrations when you’re braking aren’t good. If you notice your brake pedal or steering wheel vibrating when you engage the brakes, it may mean the rotors have been damaged. It’s best to have your brakes checked if they start to vibrate.
An Indicator Light on your Dashboard
Newer vehicles are sometimes outfitted with dashboard indicator lights that tell you when your brake pad needs to be replaced. Your car’s owner’s manual should have information about this warning system if it’s included in your vehicle. When you have your brake pads replaced, you should also have the warning sensors checked. They may need to be replaced as well.
How often should you change your brakes?
Unlike other vehicle maintenance, it’s hard to pinpoint an exact interval for when you should change your brakes. Brake usage varies widely from car to car and driver to driver. Generally, if you drive more in urban areas or heavy traffic, you’ll probably need to have your brakes replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. If you do a lot of driving in rural areas or on highways without a lot of stopping, your brakes can last anywhere from 60,000 to 80,000 miles and possibly even more than this. A good rule of thumb is to have your brakes checked when you have your oil changed. That way you can stay on top of the health of your brakes and ensure they’re in good working order.
Call Restored Auto, LLC for your brake replacement.
Did any of these signs sound like your vehicle? If so, you can call Restored Auto, LLC and schedule a brake replacement. We’ll be happy to take a look at things, check for leaks, and keep your brakes in working order so you can drive safely. Contact us today!
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