New brakes can be expensive and you might be wondering if you really need new brakes after all. Skiles Automotive wants you to be safe on the road, so here are some big reasons why you might need brakes a little sooner than you anticipated.
Weather Affects Brake Life
Because your car’s brakes are exposed to the elements, weather can dramatically affect the lifespan of some of those parts. They consist of bare metal in most cases, and that means that they tend to corrode in damp weather or when exposed to road debris like salt. Some corrosion wears away, like when your brake pads come in contact with your rotors, but eventually the corrosion wins the war.
Brakes Are a Consumable Piece of Your Car
Even if you lived in a desert, though, you’d have to replace your brake system at some point. Brakes are a consumable part on your car. The method that they use, friction, in stopping your car wears away at both the brake pad and the rotor itself. Other pieces of the brake system, like the calipers, also experience wear and tear that eventually mean they’ll need to be replaced.
Your Driving Habits Can Shorten the Life of Your Brakes
The only real factor within your control when it comes to extending the life of your brakes is your own driving habits. If you’re someone who tends to drive fast and stop short, you’re asking a lot from your brakes on a consistent basis. You’ll probably need to replace your brakes more often than someone who doesn’t tend to have those habits.
Get Familiar with Signs of Trouble
The best thing that you can do for your brake system is to learn to recognize when things aren’t right. If you spot brake fluid on the ground near your wheels, for instance, that’s not a good sign. Or if you’re hearing sounds suddenly when you’re trying to stop, you might have worn down the brake pads. Vibrations, having the car pull to one side as you brake, and any change in how the brake pedal feels are also big indications that something is going on.
If you need help determining if your brake system is alright for a bit longer, give us a call at Skiles Automotive in Bremen, IN. We can inspect your brake system for you and let you know whether it’s time for new brakes or whether you’ve got more time.
