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Gas mileage varies because of many things: driving style, tire, vehicle type, etc. Brake pads are similar to tires in that the life of a brake pad can vary. The brake pad, when in use, is in continuous friction. How long will they last? The short answer is, the life of a vehicles brake pads depends on several factors.

Related: My Brake Pads Are Squealing

Oklahoma drivers are driving 20,000 to 100,000 miles a year. Good think those roads are always being worked on. Because of the layout in Wichita, there is very little walking, biking, taxiing, and carpooling to work; drivers on a whole are driving lots of miles. These driving conditions necessitate brake pad replacement. Although the area is relatively flat, there are always highway wrecks, narrow streets, and continuous stop and go traffic to navigate in the city.

There is no clear-cut schedule that tells you when it is time to replace brakes. Drivers must rely on sound & advice of an experienced automotive technician in order to stay on top of brake replacement schedules. If it were easy like tire rotations (so-and-so miles or every so-and-so months), we could easily just place it on the calendar along with other timed services. The great thing about a brake check is that it can be easily checked along with your tires, minimally, every 6-months. When you take your tires in for rotations, have the mechanic check the thickness of the pads and the condition of the brake hardware to spot wear. Wichita Brake Specialists>>

Modern cars have built-in wear sensors that scrape against a brake disc when the linings needs replacement. The auditory cue is an annoying screech sound, when brakes are applied.

Sensors are not on every vehicle. As an Oklahoman driver, pay attention for squeaks, squeals, or a grinding sound. In some cases, minor noises can indicate the need to have your brakes cleaned.

Common signs that your brakes are worn and need replacement

• Pulsations through the brake pedal
• Longer stopping distances
• Applied brakes  go farther to the floor

Brakes Warning Light

All cars have a brake warning light that comes on for a few seconds every time you start your car. When this light turns on during driving, it is an indicator that the brake fluid is low. Low fluid indicates a leak or master cylinder issue. If you have ever had a master cylinder go out while driving, it is the same thing as having no brakes at all. You do not want to procrastinate when it comes to fixing your brakes.

Front Disc Brakes

All cars and light trucks also have front disc brakes. Most will have rear disc brakes as well. With discs, it has been common practice to just replace the brake pads and resurface the rotors on a lathe if needed so the surface is even and smooth. Looking for a tow from Tulsa Metro?

Change in Rotor Construction

Rotors are lighter and thinner which reduces weight and cost less. Older discs could be resurfaced several times, because they were heavier duty, however, modern rotors, cannot handle multiple resurfacings as well. Additionally, because of this construction change, do not be surprised when a repair shop declines to resurface your rotors. Nobody wants to stand behind quality that in the end might not be any good. Resurfacing is still a common practice, although it takes longer, it is very much dependent on the quality of the technician. The best practice is to replace your brakes as soon as there is a sign they are worn, and save the need for rotor resurfacing or replacement. Brake Replacement Wichita>>