Everything You Need to Know About Brake Service in Dayton, OH

New brake rotors installed on a mini cooper at Jamie's Tire & Service in Dayton, Ohio

How Long Do Car Brakes Last?

Understanding When and Why You Should Have Your Brakes Checked

Brake pads and rotors are one of the parts on your car that have been designed to wear out over time. Most brake pads are metallic, ceramic, or a mix of different materials including steel, copper, graphite, and other metals. The friction applied to the pads and rotors by the brake caliper slowly wears them down over time, and eventually they need replaced.

How Long Do Most Brakes Last?

Most brake pads on cars today last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, but there are many factors that contribute to the service life of your brakes. Brake part quality will determine how durable the brakes are. Typically, more expensive brakes will last longer than the cheaper alternatives. Most pads start with 10-12mm of material on them, and should be replaced by the time they reach 2-3mm. Other Factors that determine how quickly your brake pads will wear out include:

Top Factors in Brake Pad Wear

Driving habits: every driver is different, and how harshly you stop directly affects how quickly your pads wear out. Stopping lightly and anticipating changes in speed will help extend the life of your brake pads.
City vs. Highway Driving: City driving puts more wear on brake pads and rotors, while highway driving puts much less wear on the parts. Drivers who spend more time in city traffic or make frequent stops will need to replace their brakes more often than those who spend most of their time on the highway.
Seized Brake Calipers: When you put your foot on the brake pedal, the calipers apply pressure to the pads and rotors. When you lift your foot, this pressure should be released, but sometimes brake calipers can become seized due to wear and corrosion. If the caliper is seized, it will keep pressure on the pads and cause them to wear out quickly.

When Should You Have a Mechanic Check Your Brakes?

Routine Maintenance Brake Checks

Brake pads and rotors should be checked at least once a year, but every 6 months is ideal. Any time the wheels are removed for a tire rotation or other service, it is important to take a look at the pads and rotors and assess their condition. Sometimes you can also see the brake pads and measure them without taking the wheel off, but that depends on the vehicle and style of rims.

Other Times You Should Schedule a Brake Inspection

In addition to routine brake inspections, you should have your brakes looked at by a mechanic if:

You hear grinding or squeaking: Excessive brake noise can be a sign of worn out pads and rotors. If you hear a metal on metal grinding, it’s best to have the brakes checked right away.
Vibrations or pulsing in the pedal: If you start to feel vibrations in the pedal, it can be a sign of warped brake rotors due to heat or wear. In some situations, rotors can be machined back into specifications, but they may need replaced.
Soft brake pedal: A soft brake pedal can be a sign of low brake fluid or worn out pads. If you notice your pedal has gotten soft, it’s time to call your mechanic and have them inspect your braking system.
Brake Light on the Dash: If you see a brake warning light on the dash, it’s typically a sign of low brake fluid or something going on with your parking brake. When this light comes on, it’s important to check your brake fluid level and check for leaks from brake lines or other points in the system.

Schedule a Brake Inspection with the Pros at Jamie’s Tire & Service

If you’ve noticed any of the brake symptoms listed above, or just want the peace of mind of knowing your brakes are in good shape, there’s no better place to go in Dayton, Ohio than Jamie’s Tire & Service. For over 50 years, we’ve been helping people keep their car brakes working like they should. Since we opened our doors in 1975, our expert brake mechanics have helped keep our friends and neighbors safe with quality brake parts and service for all makes and models of cars, trucks, and SUVs. Whether you need brakes for a Honda Civic or Toyota Rav4, we are the pros and will help you get the most out of your vehicle. For holistic auto care in Dayton, Fairborn, Beavercreek, and Xenia, give our mechanic shops a call or schedule your appointment online today!