How often should I change car’s brake pads?
If you want to keep your car running smoothly, then you need to check its brakes regularly. This is especially true if you live in a cold climate where winter temperatures can cause the rubber lining inside your brake pads to become brittle and crack.
You should replace your brake pads every 6 months or 12,000 miles. The recommended mileage depends on your driving habits and the type of vehicle you drive.
For example, if you drive a manual transmission vehicle, you should replace your brake pads only after 12,000 miles. If you drive an automatic transmission vehicle, it will depend on how much the clutch has worn out.
Keep in mind, if you ignore or postponed replacing the brakes this will affect on the performance of your car and will affect on the estimated price of your car valuation.
You may also be asked by your mechanic to have them replaced at more frequent intervals. Most mechanics recommend replacing your brake pads no less than twice per year depending on the wear that they see.
However, their recommendation does not always work for everyone. It all comes down to personal preference. Some people like to wait until the pad surface becomes too rough before having them changed, while others feel that it’s important to get them replaced as soon as possible.
When should you replace your brake pads?
The best time to replace your brake pads is when they begin to show signs of excessive wear. You should look for these signs:
– Faded color (dark grey)
– Rough braking surfaces
– Darker areas under the pad
– A “clicky” sound when pressing down on the pedal
– An unevenly worn brake drum
As mentioned above, there are several factors that can affect the life span of your brake pads. These include the condition of your tires, road conditions, temperature, and other environmental elements.
As such, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding how frequently you should replace your brake pad. It would be wise to consult with your mechanic to determine which method works for your specific situation.
The first step to keeping your car’s brakes clean and looking new is to properly maintain your brake fluid level. In this article, we’ll go over how to do just that.
After reading this, you will know what questions to ask your mechanic about maintaining your brake fluid level so that you don’t end up paying for unnecessary repairs later.
How To Maintain Your Brake Fluid Level – What Is Normal Brake Fluid Level?
It is very common for drivers to overlook the maintenance requirements associated with their vehicles. This includes regular oil changes and routine inspections. However, many people fail to realize that brake fluid levels must be checked at least once a month.
Brake fluid helps to absorb heat from the brake system, making sure that the calipers and rotors stay cool. When the brake fluid gets hot, it expands and causes the brake shoes to expand. Over time, this expansion can lead to cracks in the shoe material and eventually to complete failure of the brake system.
A low brake fluid level can even damage your engine! Once again, this is because it increases the amount of air pressure within the engine. Too much air pressure reduces the efficiency of the engine and leads to overheating.
In addition, low brake fluid levels make it difficult for the driver to apply enough force to the brake pedal. Many drivers use the emergency brake instead of applying full pressure to the brake pedal.
If that happens, it puts undue stress on the emergency brake mechanism. This can quickly degrade the emergency brake function and possibly cause an accident if proper repairs aren’t made.
If you notice any one or more of the following symptoms, contact your local automotive service center immediately:
– The brake pedal feels hard to press down
– There is not enough space between the brake pedal and the floor of the vehicle
– The brake pedal has a “clunk” noise when pressed down
– The parking brake doesn’t engage or disengage easily
– The parking brake pulls away when released
– There is a burning smell coming from the wheel well area
– The master cylinder is leaking
– The brake lines are stiff
Author bio:
Mohamad Omary is the Managing Director of Car Wise. Sell My Car – CarWise Car Buyers – Dubai is a car buying company that has established itself as the go-to partner for those who want to quickly sell their used cars in the UAE; reaching 20,000 satisfied customers with their easy car selling process and excellent customer service. If you’re interested in finding out more about the most convenient way to sell a car in Dubai, visit CarWise.