Proper car maintenance is necessary to keep your car running and performing to its highest potential. Among the top services that are not only important for performance, but also for safety is keeping your brakes maintained. Being able to stop your vehicle when you need to is a crucial part of its operation, and changing out your brake pads when necessary should be a priority for any car owner.
Driving Habits Affect Wear
What kind of driver are you? If you are a fairly aggressive driver, you are more likely to wear down your brakes faster than individuals who are more cautious. If you tend to follow other vehicles more closely and drive quickly up to stop lights, it is important to get your brakes checks frequently to ensure proper functioning.
Urban Versus Rural Drivers
Another factor that will influence your brake wear is where you live. Driving in cities in increased traffic times can wear down your brakes quickly. Rural drivers typically have less braking time than city drivers, but road conditions can affect wear if brake pads are exposed to dust and dirt on a frequent basis.
Address Problems Early for Safety and Your Wallet
Many brake pads come with a built-in wear indicator that can be easily inspected by a mechanic. Having these evaluated during routine maintenance is easy and can catch problems before they become a major safety issue and financial burden. If your brakes start squealing, have them checked out as soon as possible. It can become a bigger and much more expensive mechanical repair if you wait too long. When brake pads completely wear down, you can start to hear grinding which often means you will need your rotors replaced. The longer you wait, the more likely your brakes are to fail, and this danger can be prevented through proper maintenance of your brake pads.
