To prevent accidents, your brakes should be in shape and up to date for driving near Hyannis, Barnstable, and Yarmouth, Massachusetts. That means you need to learn how to recognize the signs that they need to be replaced. When you’re familiar with these indicators, you can schedule a brake inspection at Ira Toyota of Hyannis.
Brakes can last from 50,000 to 75,000 miles, depending on your driving practices and where you go in your car. At the 25,000-mile marker, it’s best to start getting them examined by one of our skilled service technicians. They can measure the brake pads and see if they’re capable of protecting your rotors.
Brake pads provide protection for your rotors, which perform the stopping motion you need to stop at a busy intersection or slow down on an exit ramp. They cushion the rotors, which cannot brush together because they may fail to perform their job properly.
The type of driving you do, the conditions where you drive, and even where you live could dictate how long your brake pads last. If you’re aware of what makes brake pads wear out, you may take precautions to limit some practices.
For commuters who travel to work daily, you may be experiencing heavy congestion during your commute. This type of stop-and-go traffic greatly impacts your brake pads and their ability to cushion the rotors. You may be putting on the brakes often, which will reduce the effectiveness of your brake pads.
Do you put the pedal to the metal when you drive? If you tend to speed, you may be wearing down your brake pads at a quicker rate. Speeding up and abruptly stopping will affect your brake pads, and you may need to replace them earlier than you expect.
If you live in an elevated or hillier area, you may need your brakes to safely descend hills. You rely on your brakes to slow you down and ensure that you make it down the steeper areas with safety in mind.
Even if these different reasons for worn-down brake pads do not affect you, it’s best to stay on schedule for brake inspections and replacements. Make sure that you regularly come into our service center for a check-up, so that you can be ready when you need a replacement.
Now, let’s go over the signs that your brakes need to be replaced. If you hear an odd noise or experience something funky when you apply the brakes, you’ll know that it’s time for a tune-up.
Squealing and grinding noises may occur when you’re applying the brakes. This means that your brake pads may be on their way out. Squealing indicates that the pads are wearing thin, while grinding means that they may already be worn down to the backing plate.
A vibrating brake pedal could mean that the rotors are warped. They can be resurfaced or replaced, depending on their condition.
If you experience a spongy feeling or no response at all from your brakes, schedule an appointment. A service technician can check them out and see what they need to do to fix them.
Stay on top of your brakes with regular appointments at Ira Toyota of Hyannis. Once you know the signs that you need your brakes replaced, you’ll be ready to come into our service center for service. Call or contact us online today. We serve customers throughout Hyannis, Barnstable, and Yarmouth, MA.