When to replace your brakes
Your vehicle’s braking system is a crucial safety component that directly impacts your well-being on the road. Knowing when to replace brake components can mean the difference between a smooth stop and a potential accident. This article explores the key signs indicating it’s time to replace your brakes, helping you make informed decisions about your vehicle’s maintenance.
Understanding your braking system
The main wear-and-tear parts of your braking system – brake discs and brake pads – require regular maintenance and eventual replacement due to their friction-based operation. Every time you brake, the friction between the pads and discs causes gradual wear to both components. To ensure optimal braking performance and safety, these components must be kept in top condition.
Brake discs typically have a minimum thickness (Min TH) marked on them, indicating when replacement is necessary. Brake pads often come equipped with wear indicators that signal when it’s time for new pads. Regular inspections and timely replacements are essential for maintaining your vehicle’s stopping power and ensuring your safety on the road.
Signs it’s time to replace your brakes
Every driver should be aware of the following indicators that suggest it’s time for a brake replacement:
- Mileage milestone: For most vehicles, brake pads typically last around 80,000 kilometres. However, this can vary based on your driving habits and conditions.
- Unusual sounds: If you hear high-pitched squealing or low-pitched grinding when braking, it’s time to have your brakes inspected.
- Vibrations or pulling: If your brake pedal vibrates or your car pulls to one side when braking, it could indicate uneven wear or other brake issues.
- Reduced responsiveness: If you need to apply more pressure than usual to stop your car, your brakes may be wearing thin.
- High-pitched squealing: This is actually a deliberate warning system designed to let you know that your brake pads are too thin.
- Low-pitched grinding or growling: This indicates that the steel components of your braking system are exposed, resulting in metal-on-metal friction that can cause serious damage.
- Unusual sensations: Spongy or soft feel when depressing the pedal, or the pedal depresses too easily or is difficult to push down, could indicate that your braking system is under stress.
- Visual inspection: During routine maintenance, such as tire rotations, have your brake pads checked. If they’re less than 6mm thick, it’s time for replacement.
Factors affecting brake wear
Your driving habits play a significant role in brake wear. If you frequently drive in stop-and-start traffic, hilly terrain, or with a heavily loaded vehicle, you may need to replace your brakes more often. Performance brakes typically demand more regular inspections due to their frequent exposure to high-stress driving conditions.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your brakes or notice any of these signs, it’s best to have your vehicle inspected by a professional. Our service centre is equipped to thoroughly assess the braking system on Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, and Cupra vehicles.
