What would you do if you were driving and couldn’t stop? Panic for sure! Your brakes are the most important safety system on your vehicle, but unfortunately, wear doesn’t dramatically announce itself. Sometimes it’s a sound or feeling and other times, it’s when the damage is already done.
What are signs you need new brakes in Calgary? At My Calgary Mechanic, we hear about these issues every week and in most cases, they could have been caught earlier. Here’s what you should watch out for.
What Gives Away That You Need New Brakes?
Sometimes, it’s hard to tell when you need new brakes. In other cases, the answer is right in front of you all along. Here’s what to look out for:
Squealing or Squeaking When You Brake
Usually the first sign, when you hear a high-pitched squeal when you press the brake pedal, it’s the small metal wear indicator built into your brake pads. It makes that noise when the pads get too thin. Don’t ignore this cry for help.
Grinding Noises
When squealing progresses to grinding, your pads are likely worn through entirely. Metal is likely contracting. This results in rotor damage. From there, a straightforward pad replacement progresses into a more expensive repair. Grinding is a sign to book an inspection.
Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal
Your pedal should feel firm and responsive. A soft, spongy pedal that sinks closer to the floor than usual can indicate worn brake pads, air in the brake lines or a fluid leak. These serious issues can’t wait.
Vehicle Pulling to One Side
If your vehicle is drifting to the left or right when you brake, your brake pads are wearing unevenly or a caliper is sticking. Besides being unsafe, uneven braking can start to wear out other parts of your vehicle.
Vibration or Pulsing When Braking
Pulsating brake pedal or shaking steering wheel when slowing down? You likely have warped rotors. The main causes are repeated hard braking or overheating, which can happen in stop-and-go Calgary traffic.
Burning Smell After Driving
A sharp chemical or burning odour after braking isn’t normal, especially in heavy traffic or after driving downhill. It can indicate overheating brakes or a seized caliper. Safely pull over to let things cool down. Then, head to the mechanic.
Brake Warning Light
When the brake warning light turns on, it’s not always the parking brake. Modern vehicles have brake pad sensors that can cause dashboard warnings to show up. Be sure to book a brake repair in Calgary.
What are Calgary-Specific Brake Wear Factors?
Calgary’s winters are no joke, especially on your brakes. Road salt and sand make ice roads less slippery, but tend to rust rotors and corrode brake components faster. Freeze-thaw cycles can also cause rotors to warp faster.
Has your vehicle been sitting through a cold spell? Surface rust on rotors is normal and often clears up after a few stops. Meanwhile, if you notice persistent noise or vibration after that, you should consider reaching out to My Calgary Mechanic.
How Often Should You Replace Your Brakes?
In terms of brake replacement timelines, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s a basic overview:
- Brake Pads: Replace every 40,000-70,000 km, but know that city driving accelerates wear.
- Rotors: After 60,000-100,000 km or when thickness drops below minimum, you’re due for a replacement.
- Brake Fluid: Replace every 2 years or as recommended by your manufacturer.
Regular inspections are essential. Be sure to book an appointment before and after winter.
When Should You Book a Brake Inspection?
Don’t wait for multiple signs of wear because a small issue can quickly grow into an expensive repair. If you notice any issues, consider asking a technician from My Calgary Mechanic to take a look. We provide honest brake inspections. We don’t recommend repairs you don’t need.
Think your brakes might be due? Contact us to book an appointment today!
