When you hit busy Las Vegas traffic, it is important to know that you can stop your vehicle quickly and safely. Worn brake pads can significantly affect your stopping distance, so it is essential to have them inspected and changed at regular intervals. This guide will explain when to change your brake pads, as well as when to perform other common car maintenance tasks.
How Often to Change Your Brake Pads
Most brake pads will last from 35,000 to 65,000 miles, depending on the quality of the pads, the material, and your driving style. Frequent hard stops in heavy traffic will deplete the pad material faster than highway driving with minimal braking. Here are a few indications that it may be time to change your brake pads:
- The wear indicators on the pads are squealing
- The brake indicator on the dash is lit
- You hear grinding, screeching, or growling from the brakes
- You notice brake fade, or brakes that are less effective the longer they are depressed
- Your car is pulling to one side or the other when braking
- A visual inspection shows less than ¼ inch of pad material left
When you change the brake pads, it is also a good idea to have the technician check the ball joints, wheel bearings, and tie rods for excessive wear and play, inspect the rotors, and grease the chassis.
Other Important Maintenance Items
Good brakes are essential, but if you want your car to be reliable and last as long as possible, it is important to keep up with all its routine maintenance. Here are the services you should be performing on a regular basis, and how often:
- Checking the oil – The oil should be checked at least once a month, as well as before any long trip. If your car leaks or burns oil, it may need to be checked more often and topped off as necessary. Check the oil only after the engine has been off for at least 10 minutes, or even better, before the engine is started.
- Changing the oil – In older vehicles, manufacturers recommended changing the oil and filter every 3,000 miles or 3 months, but newer vehicles with modern synthetic blends can last longer between oil changes, anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Changing the oil more frequently than the manufacturer’s recommendation will not harm anything and may help your engine last longer.
- Rotating the tires – Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles can help them wear more evenly and last longer while reducing wear on suspension components. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for rotation intervals and techniques.
Professional Auto Service & Maintenance in Las Vegas
If you need advice on when to change brake pads, turn to our auto service experts at Valley Automall. Located in Henderson, we serve customers throughout the Las Vegas area. We feature professional car maintenance and repairs, as well as new and used vehicle sales.
Call Valley Automall today at (702) 570-2257 to schedule professional service and repairs for your car in the Las Vegas area.