Brakes of a vehicle are the most crucial ones that keep people safe in and out of them. But the brakes are directly exposed to the usage of the drivers, who are actually responsible for the lifespan that the pair of brakes lives. Hence, the replacement of the brakes will involve many factors, right from the reason for its failure, to the parts that have got damaged, and above all, when it needs to be replaced.
When we asked the same to a group of mechanics we met at the Chevrolet brake service near Apple Valley, they shared with us some important facts about brakes and their replacement.
Driving Conditions and Habits
The plain and simple fact about brakes is no different than any other mechanism or object that gets worn out with excessive usage. Similarly, it is also the driving conditions that contribute no less in determining the lifespan of the brakes. For example, in advanced city roads, you’ll need less application of brakes in comparison to driving through rural driveways.
So, the lifespan of the brakes depends on how often, and the way you use it. If you press the brake pads only when it is extremely necessary and with gentle care, naturally, it will last longer. But if you keep braking too often and with harsh pressure, it will wear off in no time.
Diagnosis of Brake System
The braking system work in tune with the wheels and tires. So, it is when you take your car for tire rotation and alignment that you can go for brake inspection to make sure that they are in good shape. But one should remember, that unless you are yourself a mechanic, you can’t play around with brakes and can’t experiment with DIY methods. So, it is strongly recommended that you take the help of a certified mechanic to check the thickness of the brake pads as well as the calipers, with the help of drum hardware to diagnose the state of wear and overall condition of the braking system.
Signs of Wear and Need for Replacement
A bit of prior knowledge about the parts and parcels of the braking system and their ways of working can save your money, time and effort. Not only that will help you get to take better care of your brakes, but also help you have a good job done, when you take your car for brake service, opined the head of the mechanical team at the Apple Valley Chevrolet brake service center.
So they took time out to explain to us that the brake pedal keeps pulsating well under light and moderate pressure of braking, and its wear can be best reflected under panic braking that is usually putting too much abrupt pressure on the brake pads.
The most prominent signs of brake pad wear are, a sluggish steering wheel that starts responding slowly or the car starts pulling to one side of its own. Squealing sounds and vibrations at the time of applying brakes are also sure signs of a compromised front brake pad.
So if you notice any deterioration in the performance and response to your driving inputs, especially steering and braking, know for sure, that a brake replacement is now of utmost priority.