Tips to prolong Brake Pads and Rotors life

sterlingclutch break
3 min readMar 15, 2019

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Every vehicle owner is worried about smooth running of various car parts including Brakes and Rotors. The reason behind this is that braking system of your vehicle is very important and without proper functioning of this system your ability to stop car quickly in case of emergency gets affected and can also lead to serious accident.

As all car parts get affected from wear and tear due to use and time factor, brake pads and rotors are the parts which are more likely by wear fast due to use. The question that come in your mind as a owner of vehicle owner is that how long the brake pads and rotor lasts and when should they be replaced and how can one tell it something is starting to fail?

The first thing for you is to estimate how long both your brake pads and rotors are likely to last and only then you can you can go in for replacement is to get them inspected from trained auto mechanics. The general rule is;

* Brake pads can last anywhere between 30,000 to 70,000 miles. The variance is due to your driving style and the driving conditions in which the vehicle is driven. As per the vehicle manufacturers the brake pads will last depending on your vehicle daily milage but in typical conditions it will last between 3 and 7 years.* The life of brake rotor is roughly about 70,000 miles, but they need to be checked for the uneven war and tear. Any uneven surface on the rotors should be corrected through turning and machining and making it round again. This machining can be done for two to three times in actual rotor life before it needs complete replacement. But since the new vehicles are very sensitive and it is cost effective to replace rotor when some thing happens to rotor from wear and tear and brakes are not functioning properly.

Tips to make Brake Pads and Rotors Last Longer

You can make brake pads and rotors last longer by following few of the tips given below and your driving habits and techniques:

* Best way to increase life of your brakes is to obey the speed limit. It is very taxing on your brakes and your brake pads will wear out fast if you stop at high rates of speed and suddenly.

* Always use your right foot for both acceleration and brake pedals. Some vehicle drivers use their left foot to hit the brake before the right foot is completely off the accelerator, requiring more brake effort.

* Be aware of the traffic movement. It will be less taxing on your brakes if you brake slowly or coast. Make it a habit to stop gradually well before a traffic light, rather than suddenly applying the brakes quickly when you get closer to light signal.

* Always minimize the amount of weight in your vehicle. With less mass to stop, it will be less taxing on your brakes as they will have to work less.

* Have the brake system inspected regularly. If the brake pads are worn out more stress is put on the rotor and other parts in the braking system. By regular inspection and early detection of worn out brake pads, you’ll not only ensure the safety of your self and your vehicle but also other components of braking system.

If you drive your vehicle cautiously, follow the recommended minimum maintenance and contact your car garage for regular brake service and vehicle, you will be able to keep brake pads and rotors lasting as long as possible and also ensure your safety as well as the safety of other drivers on the road and off course your loved vehicle also.

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