How Long Will Your Vehicle Brakes Truly Last?
March 28 2022, Hickman Automotive Group
Vehicle Brakes are probably one of the most, if not the most important safety features in your vehicle because you know, well, they help you stop your vehicle. If we were to guess, most people try to get the full life out of their brakes by wearing them down almost to the metal. But did you know, that the average span for your vehicle brakes normally falls somewhere between 40,000 and 100,000 kilometers? That being said depending on your driving habits and even the driving conditions of where you are in our province, your brakes can really take a beating and could need maintenance even before then. In this post, we’ll review the many factors that can affect your brakes and their lifespan in Newfoundland and Labrador.
How Many Kilometers Do Brakes Last?
As mentioned above, your vehicle brakes will normally have an average lifespan of somewhere between 40,000 and 100,000 kilometers. To get exact numbers, it’s likely best to check your owner’s manual. In fact, most manufacturers will advise having a recommended brake inspection when your vehicle is in for service so you are fully aware of the condition of your brakes.
Factors Affecting Brakes in Newfoundland and Labrador
Although your owner’s manual provides a recommended range for your brake life, there are many additional factors that could cause wear and tear to your brakes. They include:
- Environmental: We face this problem quite a lot in our province, but yes, our weather certainly can take a toll on your vehicle’s brakes. When you constantly drive (and park) in the snow, water remains on your brake components, which over time will develop rust. Road salt also can really accelerate the rusting process. When your brakes are rusting you may notice squeaking or even lose braking power. If you suspect that your dealing with this problem, it is probably best that you bring them to a garage and have them inspected immediately.
- Driving Habits: If you live in an area with quite a lot of stop-and-go traffic you’ll of course be braking more which can put a lot of wear on your brakes. If you cannot avoid this, we would advise you to follow proper driving practices and avoid tailgating at all costs to avoid aggressive braking. Riding the brake can also cause unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle, this is quite common when going down hills and people are consistently applying the brake. Instead of braking so much, change down a gear to allow your engine to control the speed, instead, apply light braking as needed.
Have Your Brakes Inspected With Hickman Automotive Group
Now that you have a better understanding of when to service your brakes and conditions that could cause brakes to wear faster than normal, it’s time to figure out in you are due for a brake inspection or not. Regardless of the make or model, Hickman Automotive Group dealerships across Newfoundland and Labrador can inspect and service your brakes to ensure safe driving for the future.
