Factors Impacting the Life of Your Brakes
The brake pads and rotors on all vehicles will wear out over time, but brake wear can vary depending on many factors, including:
- Driving habits. How hard the driver presses the brakes in San Diego can greatly impact how long they will last. Some drivers tend to ride the brakes and stop abruptly, while others will gently come to a smooth stop. Gradual braking can increase the lifespan of your brake pads, but it is certainly important to brake abruptly when necessary.
- Environment. Driving in the city can be hard on your brakes due to stop-and-go traffic and traffic signals, especially compared to driving out in the country on long straight roads. That is because braking is less frequent in these areas. Drivers who travel in mountainous areas with steep elevation changes can quickly wear brakes because it is often needed to ride the brakes to control speed while traveling downhill.
- Brake pad hardness. Brake pads are available in varying compounds in order to meet different driving needs. In most cases, hard compound brake pads will last longer, but they will often need to be warm in order to perform well, and these are more common in high-performance vehicles.
- Materials. The materials that compose the brake rotors and brake pad can also impact their durability. For example, carbon-ceramic brakes usually last longer than standard metal brakes.
Do My San Diego Brakes Need to Be Replaced?
There are other potential warning signs that can show that your brake pads are wearing out and need to be replaced, including:
- Brake pad thickness. You should inspect the thickness of your brake pad frequently. Whenever the tires are rotated or the oil is changed, you should have the mechanic have a look at the brake pads as well.
- Squealing or scraping noise. At the very bottom of your brake pads, there are small metal hairs that inform the driver when they are about to run out of grippy material. Over time, they will start to make a squealing noise. This is a sign you should have your brakes replaced immediately.
- Jittery braking. If your braking becomes jittery, then it is a sign that your brakes or rotors in San Diego may be warped. Some treatments can clean or grind down the surface of the toro to make it flat again. In most cases, it is actually easier and less expensive to just replace the brake rotor.
Brake Service San Diego
Automobile Repair Shop San Diego is a family-owned and operated business that has provided quality brake service in San Diego for years. We offer you hassle-free estimates and repairs in San Diego starting with a precise assessment of your vehicle’s current issues. We will tow your vehicle for FREE to our shop, organize for a rental car, and work directly with the insurance company to streamline the repair process by providing quick and easy auto repair in San Diego. We will even pay up to $500 of your deductible. Contact us today to see how we can help.