Things to Think About When Buying New Brakes
Brakes are one of the most replaced parts of your car or truck. Brakes wear down easily because they work hard for you every single time you drive. The harder it is for your car to stop, the more work they do.
If you suspect you may need new brakes, look no further. In this article, we will show you how to tell if you need new brakes and other things to think about if it turns out you do.
Signs You Need New Brakes
The average lifespan of a brake pad is between 25,000-65,000 miles. If your brakes aren’t close to that mileage then you probably don’t need replacements yet.
However, if you are in that range, there’s a good chance you may need new brakes soon. We suggest you take the time to listen to your brakes when you step on your brake pedal. If it makes any unusual screeching or squealing sounds, that is usually a classic sign that you need to replace your brakes.
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You may also tell if you need new brakes by doing a physical inspection. You can see the visible wear-and-tear of your brake pads or even feel it with your touch. The type of brakes you need may vary depending on whether your vehicle is an off-roader, sports car, or family sedan.
Different Types of Brakes
Aside from differences in performance, brakes also differ in materials. There are three main types of brakes: organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic. Your brake’s price point is determined by the materials they’re made from.
For example, choosing organic brakes would mean you would be choosing the most affordable choice. You would also be going with the option that releases the most “brake dust.” This means the brakes won’t last as long and will corrode faster than other options. Organic brakes are best for light, daily driving.
Semi-metallic brake pads, on the other hand, are better performing pads. Why semi-metallic? Because they contain some ceramic. These brakes are used for heavier cars that go on daily drives. Fully metallic brake pads are cheaper than semi-metallic and are mostly found on commercial vehicles.
Ceramic brake pads are the most expensive type on this list. However, they are also the most high-performing. Ceramic pads are used on race cars and other vehicles that regularly drive at high speeds. The great news? They last longer than metallic brakes under the same conditions.
Are Your Brake Pads the Problem, or are There Other Parts in Need of Attention?
The brake system consists of many co-dependent parts. Sometimes, the brake pads aren’t the issue. Brake calipers and rotors generally have longer lifespans than brake pads, but if you’ve replaced your brake pads and the problem persists, you may want to check out your calipers and rotors.
Brake Pads Are Sold in Pairs
However, brake calipers and rotors may be sold as individual items. If you have problems with brake pads, the best thing to do is replace all of them with new ones. This makes it easier for you in the future because when you need new ones again, you’ll know to replace all of them.
As mentioned, brake calipers and rotors may come in singles because of their generally longer lifespan. The way they break also differs. It’s possible for one rotor or caliper to break while the other works just fine. For these parts, it’s better to replace them as you see fit.
Conclusion
The brake system is fairly simple to understand. If you’re thinking about replacing your brakes and are wondering, “which type of brakes should I get,” this information will help you make the best decision for your vehicle and your needs? As always, R1 is with you for the long haul.
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