Regular vehicle maintenance is important for an efficient running vehicle. Maintaining the brakes is essential for your and other’s safety. Day-to-day use wears the brakes down, and after a while, they need to be replaced. There is no standard guideline for replacement, although there are certain factors that wear them down more quickly. You will have a better idea of when to search for brake auto replacement parts if you understand some of the signs of wear.
Squeaking and Screeching: Early Warning Sounds of Brake Wear
If you hear strange sounds when you apply the brakes, this is an indication that your brake pads are beginning to wear down. Squeaking and screeching let you know that there is some contact with the brake rotors.
Vibration or pulsating when applying the brakes also indicates that the brake pads are wearing down. You may also notice that it takes longer to come to a stop.
If you hear grinding, it is a clear indication that you need Dorman auto parts for brake replacement, as this means that the brake pads are no longer there, and metal is contacting metal directly. Bring your vehicle in to an auto shop as soon as you can.
Visual Inspection: Signs of Wear on Brake Pads and Discs
Another way to tell if your brake parts need replacing is by visually inspecting them. Start with looking at the brake pads. If their thickness is 3 millimeters or less, you should have them replaced. If you are familiar with cars, check the brake rotors to see if there is scoring or deep grooves.
You can also inspect the brake fluid. If it is dark, you may need to bring your vehicle in for a fluid flush. This prevents corrosion on the brake components and improves performance.
Visually, you may also see that your dashboard is lighting up the brake warning light. If this is the case, you should schedule an inspection with an automotive professional.
General Guidelines for Replacement
To see what the brake replacement guideline is for your specific vehicle, check the manufacturer’s recommendation. However, these recommendations are based on regular and normal use of a vehicle. Specific driving and mileage conditions can wear down brakes sooner. These conditions include:
- Carrying heavy loads
- Commuting in heavy traffic, in which you are using the brakes a lot
- Driving on mountain passes or hilly terrain
If you only do these things occasionally, your brakes will probably last closer to the manufacturer’s recommendation. However, doing them daily means you will probably need to replace your brakes more frequently.
For example, truck drivers that haul heavy loads or frequently drive in the mountains wear down their brakes much quicker than a regular passenger vehicle operator. They need to inspect their brakes more often, so they know when they need to replace truck brake parts.
If you are unsure if you are having issues with your brakes, it is always a good idea to take your vehicle to a mechanic who knows what to look for.
