You smell burning. You hear a grinding or squealing sound whenever you tap the brakes, or maybe the brake pedal just doesn't feel the same as it used to. Whenever you notice a problem with your Cadillac's braking, it's important to start troubleshooting the issue and getting to the bottom of it. Some of these signs indicate that there may be a problem with your braking system or a leak in your brake fluid; it also may be time for a complete brake replacement. At Sunset Cadillac of Bradenton, we believe it's important to educate drivers about their cars so you can be informed and ready to act when there's a problem. Read through this quick guide to learn more about why staying on top of a brake replacement schedule is important and how you can tell when it's time for new brakes.
What Happens to Car Brakes Over Time?
Car brakes don't last forever. In fact, they're designed to safely wear down over time. Whenever you engage the brake pedal, that force is transferred to the brake pad, which then presses down against the car's brake disc, slowing down the vehicle's wheels. This friction wears down the brake pad. Given enough time, the brake pad will need to be replaced. You can go out to your car right now and inspect your car's brake pads. If you have a new car, the brake pads should be thick and have plenty of clearance between the edge of the pad and the caliper assembly. But if you have a used car and you don't know when the brakes were last replaced, the brake pad will be much thinner and may even look patchy.
How Often Should You Replace Your Car's Brakes?
Because brake pads do wear out over time, make replacing them part of your scheduled car maintenance. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the brake pads every 15,000 miles. If you use the brakes often (such as in stop-and-go traffic or in hilly areas), that number may drop to every 10,000 miles. Rotors, another important component of your braking system, are designed to last much longer, often only needing to be replaced every 50,000 or so miles.
X Signs That It's Time to Replace Your Car's Brakes
If you notice problems with your brakes, don't wait until the next maintenance appointment to take a look. Schedule a maintenance appointment with your mechanic if you notice any of these signs of failing brakes:
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Leaking brake fluid
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Burning smells, especially when you engage the brakes
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Squealing or grinding brakes
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Brakes that don't engage immediately or that take longer to slow and fully halt your car
You may notice a problem with your brakes before any of your car's automated systems. You can assess your brake pads yourself by locating them near your car's wheels and seeing if they look unevenly or excessively worn. But even if brake pads aren't the culprit, having a licensed mechanic inspect your brakes can help you drive more safely and with greater peace of mind.
Visit Sunset Cadillac of Bradenton When It's Time to Replace Your Car's Brakes
Getting your car repaired and assessed at a Cadillac dealership is the first step to ensuring your Cadillac receives proper handling and is outfitted with the right brakes for your model, driving usage, and other factors. At Sunset Cadillac, we have a team of Cadillac experts that can troubleshoot developing problems, replace your brakes, and give you insightful advice for keeping your car in pristine shape. We are the leading name in Bradenton used cars and Cadillac expertise. Visit us at 4780 14th Street during our business hours on Monday through Saturday, reach us online, or call us at (941) 751-6886 to schedule an appointment.
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