When to Repair & Replace Car Brakes?

Knowing when is the right time to repair or replace your faulty & eroded car brakes for a safe driving experience.

The life-span of a brake totally depends on the type of usage. Some car owners damage their braking systems, well before clocking 30k miles, while some good drivers do not have to replace their brakes, even after crossing the 100k miles mark. So, based on your mileage covered, you can think of going for a brake replacement service, if the condition of the brake shoe or brake pad is beyond repair. Here in Burbank, CA, there are a couple of certified auto repair workshops that specialize in brake repair & replacement. You can roll-in with your car, and get a new set of brakes. Else, only a repair job can do, if the damage is minor. But, mileage is not the only criteria for measuring the life of a brake.

If you own a car and are a regular driver, you need to look at the thickness of pads, the rotors and the surface of the metal in a brake shoe that comes into contact. When you notice signs of considerable wear & tear, it is time for a full brake replacement. And, with a professional brake repair, at a certified workshop, you can be rest assured that the newly installed system or component is going to last for another 60,000 – 90,000 miles without requiring any replacement, unless you happen to be a silly and raging driver.

What are brake pads?

They are located inside the brake caliper, and are a part of the braking system. When you press the brakes, the caliper applies pressure to the brake pads. Thereafter, the pads clamp down on the brake disc to slow down your tires. The pads become thinner after continuous usage. Eventually, you need to replace them with brand-new ones in order to keep your braking system in a good condition throughout the year. One such replacement involves removing the worn-out pads.

When should you replace the brake pads?

A majority of car manufacturers advise and recommend replacing damaged & eroded brake pads after every 25,000 – 75,000 miles, or when the brakes become soft and loose. You need to know which are the important factors that influence the life-spand of your brake shoe & brake pads.

• Driving habits – Bad driving skills such as ‘heavy’ slamming on your brakes, frequent usage of the brakes, etc. can cause the brake pads to wear out faster than the expected life-span. So, you need to change your brake shoes & brake pads more often.

• Quality of pads – It has been observed that ceramic made brake pads last much longer than the conventional or semi-metallic ones.

• Condition of rotors & calipers – If the rotors and calipers are not in a healthy condition, the brake pads wear down faster.

How much does it cost to replace a brake pad?

The cost of replacing a brake pad depends upon the type of vehicle and the brand of the car. On an average, it costs anything between $150 – $350 per axle. At times, you do not have to replace all the 4 brake pads located on two axles. But, if the usage is heavy, you might have to replace the braking components on both the axles.

A DIY brake repair or an expert intervention?

While basic maintenance tasks like cleaning spark plugs or changing engine oil and coolant can be done DIY, major brake repairs require expert intervention. Repainting a car’s braking system demands specialized infrastructure, skills, and expertise.

Knowing when to repair or replace your car brakes ensures safer driving and prevents costly damage. Regular brake maintenance is key to vehicle safety. Ensure your brakes perform reliably on every journey.