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brake pad replacement in dallas, tx

How Often Should Brakes Be Replaced?

Posted at Fri, May 5, 2023 12:30 PM

Brakes are important to keep you, your car, and other drivers on the road safe. If your brakes are in good condition, you can rest easy knowing they'll work when needed. However, regular maintenance is necessary to keep them operating correctly. The braking material of your pads, your dedication to vehicle maintenance, and how you usually drive will influence the life span of your brakes. As your leading Ford dealer in Dallas, Texas, we've gathered more details about brake service in this rundown below.

When To Replace Brake Pads and Rotors

How often should brakes be replaced?

Whether you own a Ford or a different car make, we highly recommend tracking your vehicle's mileage, as that can give you a very reliable, straightforward way of judging when you need to get all your general maintenance tasks done. If you're unsure of your car's mileage, you should watch for warning signals that your brake pads or rotors need to be replaced. Some warning indications include:

Over 70,000 Miles Since the Last Replacement

Brake pads typically have a life span of between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. Your driving habits and usual road conditions will affect how long they last. Brake rotors have a life span of about 70,000 miles, but you should check them for uneven wear.

Wear on Your Front Brake Pads

Since front brake pads typically deteriorate sooner, it's a good idea to monitor their condition every so often. The reason for the difference in wear is that the front of a vehicle takes the majority of its momentum when accelerating, turning, and stopping.

Unusual Events When Stopping

When braking, if your car pulls to one side or you feel a pulsating sensation, one of your brake pads may not perform effectively. Pulsing may also indicate worn-out or faulty sections of a brake pad. You should also take note of how your steering wheel feels while driving, particularly while braking. If it shakes while you stop, it may be a sign that you need to replace your brake pads. Of course, vibrating, grinding, squealing, and other unusual things noticed while stopping are likely signs of a brake issue, too.

Testing your brakes might reveal a potential maintenance issue, allowing you to book a service and address it before it becomes more expensive. If you've experienced any of these symptoms, you should bring your vehicle to our service center. Our experts have the most thorough and up-to-date training, diagnostic tools, and information regarding brake repair and other parts of Ford maintenance.

How Frequently Should You Replace Your Car's Brakes?

Several variables, including the car's model, how you drive it, and the state of the braking components, can affect how frequently you need to replace your car's brakes. In general, brake rotors can last up to 70,000 miles or more, whereas you'll need to replace the brake pads every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. It's best to refer to your Ford owner's manual, which will provide the most accurate ranges and important ownership details.

Keep Track of Your Braking and Driving Habits

To keep better track of the condition of your brake system, it's important to factor in how exactly you drive. Do you brake hard frequently? Do you regularly tow objects or carry extra weight? Have you kept up on other important maintenance tasks, such as tire replacement? All of these could affect the rate of your brake system wear, depending on the severity. 

How Can I Increase the Durability of My Brake Pads and Rotors?

You generally use your brakes more frequently when driving in a city environment, but even on the highway, getting caught in a sudden traffic jam could lead to a hard brake that further limits your pads' life span. For all your adventures throughout Dallas, Texas, the following techniques will help you get the most out of your braking rotors and pads:

  • Drive defensively, within the speed limit. Your brakes will be severely taxed when you have to stop quickly, which will wear down some of the brake pads.
  • Every time you brake, lift your foot up from the gas pedal and hit the brake pedal with the same foot.
  • Pay attention to traffic and try to anticipate points where you'll need to drive slower or stop. A modern Ford infotainment navigation system often includes traffic data and suggests alternate routes. 
  • Reduce any excess weight in your car. Your brakes will have to work less because there's less mass to bring to a halt, and it's also more fuel and energy efficient.

Finally, make sure to frequently inspect your brake system. Your rotors and other components are put under extra strain if your brake pads are worn. Your other brake system parts will be kept in good condition if you replace these components before they get worn down completely.

Why You Should Replace Your Brake Pads and Rotors Regularly?

It's crucial to routinely replace your Ford brake pads and rotors for several reasons, the main one being safety. Driving isn't safe if you can't effectively stop when something unexpected happens, and active safety features can't fill in for major component issues. Another important reason is that most people don't like the feel of a weak, barely responsive brake pedal, and it can weaken a person's confidence while driving.

If you let your brakes become too worn, you run the risk of harming other brake system parts, such as the calipers or brake lines. By avoiding this, regular replacements can save you money. Finally, while accidents can be dangerous, even mild ones that leave no injuries, such as a fender bender, can affect your car's appearance and can be expensive to fix.

You Can Count on the Planet Ford Dallas Service Center

Maintaining your brakes regularly will help keep your car in good working order and prevent more expensive repairs in the future. Whenever you notice any of the symptoms, we strongly advise that you contact our technical experts for a full brake system inspection as soon as possible. Get in touch with Planet Ford Dallas to have your brakes inspected. To keep you and your passengers safe on the road, our Ford professionals will make sure that your brakes are in outstanding condition.

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