Being able to stop quickly is a key element of traffic safety. Motorists typically need good tires and good brakes. Even with brand new tires, aging brakes may not give a driver the stopping power they need when a child chases the ball into the street or a car ahead of them abruptly stops.
Drivers need to ensure that their brakes are in good operating condition so that they can stop quickly when circumstances demand that they do so. What are some of the warning signs that it may be time to replace or repair the brakes in a vehicle?
Significant mileage
As a general rule, most vehicle maintenance specialists recommend replacing brake pads and other components approximately every 30,000 miles. Factors including the speed at which people travel and the amount of highway versus city driving they do create a degree of flexibility there. However, every 30,000 miles or roughly every two to three years, drivers likely need to replace their brake pads.
Squeaking or grinding noises
Brake pads often have a device built in that helps them alert motorists when they are nearing the end of their useful life. Brake pads produce a high-pitched squeaking noise when the pad is relatively worn.
Drivers who notice the squeaking noise when they apply their brakes may need to schedule a maintenance session with a mechanic that they trust. Grinding noises, on the other hand, are an indicator that brake pads have largely disintegrated. If not addressed quickly, grinding noises can result in damage that can cost much more to repair than brake pads cost to replace.
Increased stopping distance
People may not always notice the squeaking noises of compromised brake pads, but they may notice it has become harder to stop quickly. When drivers notice a significant increase in how far back they have to stop, that is likely an indicator that the brakes require work.
Other warning signs of worn brakes include uneven stopping, difficulty using the parking brake, a smoky smell after driving and an indicator light illuminating the dashboard of the vehicle. Recognizing the warning signs that maintenance is necessary can help drivers keep their vehicles in good condition. It can also help them recognize that another driver’s lack of maintenance could be the underlying cause of a crash.
Holding drivers with poorly-maintained vehicles accountable for causing car crashes may result in compensation for those involved in wrecks. Failing to maintain a vehicle by keeping the brakes in working order is a form of negligence that can lead to insurance claims or possibly even personal injury lawsuits.