How to tell if your vehicle’s brakes need replacing

How do I know when my car needs new brakes? 

Do you know how to tell when your brake pads need replacing? If not, this quick guide can help you learn. Watch the video and read below to learn how to spot signs of brake wear. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with Sherwood Ford in Sherwood Park, AB. 

Checking Brakes: Is It Time To Replace Pads video by Sherwood Ford 

How long do brakes last? Can I swap out just one brake pad? Are my brakes safe to drive? Check out this video to answer your most common questions about vehicle brakes. 

Seven signs that it’s time for a brake replacement 

In the video above, we cover seven things that you need to know about brakes. Each of those corresponds to one way that you can tell it’s time for new brakes. Watch for these signs. 

1. You’ve driven 100,000 km without brake replacement. 100,000 km is about the maximum distance you should travel with a set of brakes. Depending on other factors, you may want to change them as often as every 40,000 km. 
2. You see signs of damage on your front brake pads. Front brake pads tend to wear out faster, so it is important to keep an eye on them. 
3. When stopping, your brakes tend to grab suddenly. Braking should feel smooth, not jerky. If it feels like it’s out of sync, it probably is. 
4. The vehicle pulls to the left or right. If your vehicle pulls to one side while braking, it’s a sign that one brake pad isn’t working as well as it should. 
5. Grinding, squealing, or chattering sounds emit from your brakes. Drive with your radio off and your windows down and listen to your brakes for this sure sign of wear. 
6. The brakes feel like they are pulsing. Pulsation in the brakes might point to spots of wear.  
7. The steering wheel is shaking. If your wheel shakes when you come to a stop, you might be feeling your worn brake pads.