How long does it take to change brakes? Most people know that they need to change a brake when their brake pedal sinks to the floor or if it becomes difficult to depress. But what about from a maintenance standpoint? Some people may think that brakes just last for so many miles before they should be replaced.
However, depending on your driving habits and the type of vehicle you drive, this number could be much lower! In this article, we’ll walk you through how many miles you can go before replacing your brakes, when to change the pads and discs and how long it will take a professional mechanic to replace your car brakes!
On average, the brake pads will wear out much faster than the rotors or drums. You should be able to get tens of a thousand miles before you need to change your brake pads.
The discs may need to be replaced someday but they will last many tens of thousands of miles. Your brakes also need enough time to cool down and regenerate their cooling ability before you drive again.
READ: How Much Do Smart Cars Weigh?
Keeping your brakes in good shape is essential for safe driving and the prevention of major accidents. Continue reading to learn more about car brakes, how long it should take before your car brake, what causes uneven wear, and more!
What are brakes?
Your car’s brakes are what enable you to slow down and stop your car when in motion. They are made up of a number of parts, including brake pads, rotors, and calipers.
When you press your foot on the brake pedal, it activates the braking system, which causes the brake pads to press against the rotors. This creates friction, which slows down the wheels and brings your car to a stop.
Brake pads are one of the most important parts of the braking system, as they are the component that actually comes into contact with the rotors to create friction. Over time, brake pads will wear down and need to be replaced. Rotors can also become damaged or warped from excessive heat and will need to be replaced if they are not working properly.
The lifespan of your brakes will depend on a number of factors, including your driving habits and the roads you travel on. If you do a lot of city driving or heavy braking, your brakes will wear out faster if you always drive on highways or lighter roads. Be sure to have your brakes inspected regularly so that any issues can be caught early on before they cause bigger problems down the road.
READ: What Does No Engine Brake Mean?
When to replace brake pads and discs?
If you notice screeching noise when you apply your brake, or you notice that your car is taking more time to stop when you apply the brake, it’s a sign that your car brake is faulty and needs to be checked by a mechanic. Some cars have indicator lights to signal that the brake pads need to be replaced. When you notice this signal, change it as soon as you can.
Why should you replace your brakes when they wear out?
It is important to replace your brakes when they wear out for several reasons. First, worn brakes can be less effective and may not stop your car as quickly as you need them to. This can be extremely dangerous, especially if you are driving in traffic or on the highway.
Additionally, worn brakes can cause your car to pull to one side or the other, making it difficult to control. Finally, worn brakes can create excessive noise and vibration, which can be extremely annoying and distracting while driving.
How long will your brakes last?
If you take care of your brakes, they can last a long time. But eventually, they will need to be replaced. How often the brakes need to be replaced depends on a few factors which include:
1. How you drive
If you are an aggressive driver who likes to speed and brake hard, your brakes will wear out more quickly than someone who drives more conservatively. Applying the brake more often, especially when at high speed affects the brake pad and causes it to wear out.
READ: Mazda Check Engine Light – Causes and Fix
1. The type of vehicle you drive
Heavier vehicles put more stress on brakes, so they will need to be replaced more often than lighter vehicles.
1. Road conditions
If you live in an area with a lot of hills or bad roads, your brakes will also wear out more quickly. This is because you apply brakes more often.
Also, if you are driving down a sloppy road more often or you live in an area with much rain or snow, your brake pad will certainly wear down. You are, therefore, expected to do regular maintenance or inspect your car to find out if you need to replace your car brake.
Generally speaking, you can expect your brakes to last around 30,000 miles if you take good care of them. But it is always best to check with your mechanic at regular intervals or when you notice any sign to be sure.
Tips for more preventative measures
When it comes to replacing your brakes, the best prevention is actually regular maintenance and inspection. By keeping an eye on your brake pads and ensuring they are always at the proper thickness, you can avoid having to replace your brakes entirely. You should also have your brakes inspected at least once a year by a qualified mechanic.
In addition to regular maintenance, there are a few other things you can do to help prevent having to replace your brakes prematurely.
Avoiding hard braking whenever possible will help prolong the life of your pads. And, if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, make sure to have your brakes checked more frequently as these conditions can wear them down faster.
READ: Top 12 Most Overdue Oil Change Symptoms: All You Should Know
How Long Does It Take To Change Brakes
So how long does it take to change brakes? Most technicians usually spend an hour or less changing brake pads. There are some factors that can reduce extend or decrease the time though. If you are replacing the brake pads alone, this can be quickly done. Here are variables that determine how long it can take to replace a brake:
The condition of the rotators is one of the factors that can lengthen the time for changing your car brake. If the rotators are distorted or bad, you will need to replace the brake pads.
There are certain measures required to ensure successful brake pad replacement. The mechanic may wish to have the calipers cleaned and lubricated. This will take a little more time to do so, thereby increasing the duration for replacing your car brakes.
If you are doing it yourself, it takes a lot longer and this depends on the equipment at your disposal, your knowledge and technical competence, and how long you have been doing it.
Important safety precautions when repairing or replacing brake systems
When working on your brakes, it is important to take some safety precautions to avoid injury or damage to your vehicle. Here are some things to keep in mind:
READ: How Long Does A Car Oil Change Take?
- Wear gloves and eye protection when working with brake fluid, as it can be corrosive.
- Be careful not to get brake fluid on your skin or in your eyes, as it can cause irritation.
- Never reuse brake pads or shoes. Always use new ones.
- Make sure the brake drums and rotors are clean before installing new pads or shoes.
How often should you get your brakes checked at a garage?
There is no straightforward answer to this. The frequency with which you should have your brakes checked depends on the above-named factors which are – how often you use your vehicle, your road conditions, and the type of driving you do, etc.
If you do a lot of stop-and-go city driving, you may need to have your brakes checked more frequently than someone who mostly drives on the highway. Most mechanics recommend having your brakes checked at least once a year.
Regardless of how much you drive. If you notice any unusual noise or performance from your brakes, it’s a good idea to have them inspected as soon as possible.
In general, though, most people can expect to replace their brake pads every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Of course, this varies depending on the factors mentioned above. You should always consult your car’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations on when to change your brake pads and discs.