If you feel a slight shudder or vibration coming through your brake pedal when you stop, it could be a sign you need some brake work done. That gets you thinking, how long should my brakes last anyway?
It depends on a lot of factors. But for discussion's sake, let's talk about the components that wear out most often, the pads and rotors.
One factor is how you drive. If you drive on highways a lot, you won't use your brakes as much as, say, someone who lives in the city and is in the middle of a lot of stop-and-go traffic.
Do you drive a lot in the mountains? Do you tow a trailer or haul heavy loads? Those driving habits will all wear down your pads and rotors more quickly than someone who doesn't put that extra friction on their brake components.
Do you love jackrabbit starts and squealing stops? That will wear out your brakes more quickly than smoother driving habits.
Do you drive a hybrid or electric vehicle? In that case, you may have regenerative brakes that help your vehicle stop and may reduce wear and tear on the pads and rotors.
How long will your brakes will last depend on all these different things, and there's no hard and fast rule. In addition to that pulsating feel we mentioned at the beginning of this, here are a few other signs you might need some brake work:
- You must push harder on the brake pedal than you used to.
- Your brakes squeak, grind, or rattle when you apply them.
- Your vehicle pulls to one side when you put on the brakes.
Your NAPA AutoCare Center can inspect your brakes and tell you when it's time to or replace your brake pads or rotors. A technician will also check the other wear components in your brake system that may require repair. When it comes to brake issues, it's a lot better to know: and it’s better (and can save money) to know earlier rather than later.
Carmasters Automotive
931 E Little Creek Rd.
Norfolk, VA 23518
757.456.0722