How Often Should You Check Your Brakes? More Often Than You Think

Your brakes work every time you drive.

You use them at traffic lights, in car parks, in traffic and whenever you need to slow down quickly.

But how often do you actually check them?

Many drivers wait until they hear a noise or feel something different through the brake pedal.

By then, the brake components have already experienced wear.

There isn't one inspection interval that suits every driver. How quickly your brakes wear depends on your vehicle, how much you drive and where you drive.

For Blacktown drivers dealing with regular stop-start traffic, checking your brakes regularly is a sensible part of looking after the car.

Here's what you need to know.

Your Brakes Wear Every Time You Drive

Brake pads aren't designed to last forever.

Every time you press the brake pedal, the pads create friction against the brake discs or drums to slow the vehicle.

That friction gradually wears the braking components.

The rate of wear depends on your driving.

Frequent braking in traffic generally puts more demand on the brakes than long stretches of highway driving.

So How Often Should You Check Them?

Your brakes should be inspected as part of your vehicle's scheduled servicing.

You should also have them checked sooner if you notice a change in braking performance.

Don't rely on a fixed number of kilometres alone.

Your driving conditions, vehicle and brake components all affect how quickly they wear.

If you're regularly driving in heavy traffic or covering high kilometres, more frequent checks may make sense.

Listen for Squealing

A high-pitched squeal when braking can be a warning that your brake pads are getting worn.

Some brake pads have wear indicators designed to make a noise when the pads approach the end of their usable life.

A squeal doesn't always mean the pads need replacing, but it's worth having the brakes inspected.

Grinding Is a Different Story

Grinding when braking shouldn't be ignored.

It can indicate that the brake pads are severely worn or that another brake component needs attention.

Continuing to drive without having the brakes inspected can increase the chance of additional damage.

If you hear grinding, arrange an inspection promptly.

Pay Attention to Brake Pedal Feel

You know how your brake pedal normally feels.

If it suddenly feels different, pay attention.

A pedal that feels unusually soft, spongy or sinks further than normal needs to be checked.

Don't wait for the problem to become worse before getting it inspected.

Does Your Car Shake When You Brake?

Vibration while braking can have several causes.

You may feel it through:

• The steering wheel
• The brake pedal
• The vehicle itself

The cause could involve the braking system, wheels, tyres or other components.

The important thing is identifying the source rather than assuming you simply need new brake pads.

Is Your Car Pulling When You Brake?

If the vehicle pulls to one side when you brake, something needs checking.

Possible causes can include braking components, tyres, steering or suspension.

A vehicle should brake predictably and remain under control.

If its behaviour has changed, book an inspection.

Your Driving Habits Affect Brake Wear

Not every driver wears their brakes at the same rate.

If you spend most of your time driving through busy streets, you'll probably brake more frequently than someone who spends most of their time on open roads.

Other factors include:

• Daily kilometres
• Traffic conditions
• Driving style
• Towing
• Vehicle weight

That's why one driver's brake pads may last much longer than another's.

Don't Wait for a Warning Sound

Brake problems don't always make noise.

The absence of squealing or grinding doesn't prove that your brakes are in perfect condition.

Brake components can wear gradually without producing an obvious sound.

That's why brake inspections during scheduled servicing are important.

What Does a Brake Inspection Check?

A brake inspection looks at the condition of the braking system and identifies components that may need attention.

Depending on the vehicle, this can include checking:

• Brake pads
• Brake discs or drums
• Brake fluid
• Brake lines
• Other braking components

If something is worn, we'll explain what we've found and what needs to be done.

What If Your Brakes Still Feel Fine?

That's good.

But it doesn't mean you should stop checking them.

A car can continue to brake normally while components gradually wear.

Routine inspections give you a chance to identify that wear before it becomes a larger issue.

Questions Drivers Ask Us

Q- How often should brake pads be replaced?

A- There isn't one replacement interval for every vehicle. Brake pad life depends on driving conditions, kilometres and vehicle use.

Q- Can I wait until my next service if my brakes are making noise?

A- If you've noticed a new brake noise, it's better to have it checked rather than waiting.

Q- Why do my brakes squeal?

A- Brake squeal can have several causes, including brake pad wear. An inspection can identify the reason.

Q- Why does my steering wheel shake when I brake?

A- Vibration can be caused by brake, tyre, wheel, steering or suspension issues. The vehicle needs to be inspected to identify the cause.

Q- Do city drivers wear brakes faster?

A- Frequent stop-start driving can result in more braking than longer highway trips, which can increase brake wear.

Your Brakes Deserve More Than a Warning Light

Your brakes are working every time you drive, even when everything feels normal.

Regular inspections help you keep track of brake wear and identify problems before they become larger repairs.

If you're due for a service or you've noticed a change in the way your brakes feel, visit Goodyear Autocare Blacktown. We'll inspect your braking system, explain what we find in plain English and only recommend the work your car actually needs.