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Car Maintenance Advice: How to Tell If You Need New Brakes
March 18, 2025
Driving a vehicle with braking system problems can be incredibly dangerous! While we tend to refer to the brakes as one specific part of the vehicle, your braking system actually includes an entire hydraulic system that consists of disc brakes or drum brakes, brake pads, brake rotors, calipers, brake fluid, the brake pedal, and ABS systems. Here’s how to tell if you need new brakes, new brake pads, new rotors, or if your braking system needs maintenance.
Signs You Need New Brakes or Brake Maintenance
Problems in different parts of the system will result in different types of issues. Here are some broad signs you need new brakes or brake maintenance:
- Slow Stopping Time: If you’re noticing that it’s taking longer to come to a typical stop, that’s a solid signal that there is something wrong with your brake system that requires immediate maintenance.
- Car Veers to One Side: When the brake lining wears unevenly, it can cause issues with the caliper that could require an adjustment.
- Smoky Smell: Brakes can overheat with overuse, especially when driving downhill for long periods. This can cause a smoky smell, as can leaking brake fluid and a buildup of brake dust, both of which require auto maintenance.
- Different Feel When Braking: If your brake pedal starts to feel low, spongy, or stiff during braking, it can indicate a problem with the brake system.
- Leaking Brake Fluid: If you notice a yellow, oily substance underneath your vehicle, this could indicate a brake fluid leak.
- Dashboard ABS Indicator: Many new vehicles come with a dashboard indicator that lets you know when your anti-lock braking system has been disabled due to an issue.
Signs You Need New Brake Pads
When people discuss needing new brakes, they’re often talking about replacing the brake pads in their vehicle. Brake pads typically need to be replaced every 30,000 miles, however, frequent hard braking and driving in stop-and-go traffic can shorten their lifespan. Here are some signs you need new brake pads:
- High Pitch or Grinding Noise: Once brake pads wear down, the built-in wear indicator connects with the rotor, which creates a high pitch or grinding sound to alert drivers that it’s time to change their brake pads.
- Visible Signs of Wear: While it’s typically the noise that alerts people to the need for new brake pads, you can look between the wheel spokes to visually assess the thickness of your brake pads. If it’s less than ¼-in thick, replacement is likely necessary. You should also do visual checks to spot any visible cracks and grooves.
Signs You Need New Rotors
Brake rotors are disks that are connected to each wheel, which the brake pads press against to create the friction that slows or stops a vehicle. Brake rotors often last between 30,000 and 80,000 miles, so you won’t necessarily need to change them out when you replace your brake pads. However, if you notice any of these signs, it’s likely you need to resurface or replace your rotors:
- Pedal, Steering Wheel, & Seat Vibration: One sign you may need new front rotors is if your brake pedal or steering wheel starts to shake when you apply the brakes. If rear rotors are warped, you may feel a vibration under your seat while braking. These vibrations indicate warping, which is often visible, and will require either resurfacing or replacement.
- Visible Signs of Wear: If your rotors are visibly rusted, thinned, or appear to have new grooves and ridges, you may want to take it in to the auto shop, as this can indicate warping.
Keeping your car and brakes running smoothly can help prevent costly car insurance claims. Still have questions? Check out this insurance blog post that covers frequently asked questions about auto insurance.
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