What precautions do you need to consider when changing the brake pads?

Four Practical Precautions for Changing Your Brake Pads

Remove Brake Fluid. You should drain out some of the brake fluid from your vehicle before beginning the pad replacement work.
Clean the Hardware.
Replace the Rotor.
Lubricate Guide Pins.

What else should I replace when replacing brake pads?

Besides maintenance efficiency, replacing both brake pads and rotors can increase the performance and longevity of your vehicle’s braking system. Brake rotors affect the way that your brake pads perform and wear over time.

What is rule of thumb for brake pad replacement?

As a rule of thumb, brake pads should be replaced about every 50,000 miles.

Should you replace brake pads and discs together?

Is it better to change the brake pads and brake discs at the same time? This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The answer is YES. For example, the brake discs do not need to be changed if the car is relatively new and there is still a lot of disc life left.

Is it OK to spray brake cleaner on pads?

The cleaner can be used on brake linings, brake shoes, drums, rotors, caliper units, pads and other areas of the braking mechanism while they’re still intact. It may be a good idea to cover areas of the car that could be exposed to the brake cleaner before you apply it.

Should you replace front and rear brakes at the same time?

Well, first, you absolutely should replace both front or both rear brake pads at the same time. Unless something’s really wrong, one should be wearing out at about the same rate as the other.

How long do brake discs usually last?

Brake pads should last anywhere between 25,000 and 60,000 miles, with brake discs lasting between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. There are lots of easy ways to make these last longer, such as gentle and engine braking.

When do you need to change your brake pads?

Between 20,000 and 40,000 miles—depending on driving conditions and driving style—is a good rule of thumb for gauging when to replace brake pads. Fortunately, changing brake pads before they reach this critical phase requires only basic tools and supplies, some mechanical knowledge, and a couple hours.

How can you tell if your disc brakes need to be replaced?

On disc brakes, you can also visually inspect your brake pads to know if it’s time to have them replaced, though it may require you to remove the wheels to do this. Looking down on the brake assembly or “caliper” holding the brake pads, you should see your brake pads compressed against your brake rotor.

What happens when you don’t replace your brake rotors?

Not replacing your rotors can lead to decreased performance, pulsation while braking, and faster wear of your new pads. Replacing the rotors along with each pad replacement is an easy way to keep your brake system operating at peak performance.

When to replace brake pads on Bridgestone tires?

Look through your tire spokes and you should see your brake pad compressed against your brake rotor. If the pad is less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters) you should consider having your brakes inspected, especially if it’s been a long time since your last inspection.

When do you know it’s time to replace your brake pads?

Signs of wear such as pitting, grooves, blue spots or rings, deep rust, cracks, and chipping mean that your rotors definitely need to be replaced. Another clear sign that it’s time to replace rotors is if you feel a pulsation in the brake pedal, which indicates the rotors are warped.

Is it better to replace rotors or brake pads?

In today’s environment, the cost of brake rotors is often comparable to the cost of machining those rotors, so often a replacement is a better option to go with. Most shops in most cases will recommend either/or with every brake job.

What happens if you don’t have a brake pad?

Without functioning brake pads, other elements of your vehicle, such as the discs, rotors, and calipers will begin to wear away. Maintaining effective brake pads is important to avoiding very pricy repairs as well as unsafe driving conditions.