Do Your Car Brakes Need Replacing?

When it comes to the brakes on your car, you can never be too diligent. If you’re someone who constantly drives with the music blaring, the air or heat on at full blast and the windows closed, you could be missing out on some discrete and vital signs alerting you that it is time for a tune up. The number one sign that your brakes need a tune up or replacement is the screeching sound they make every time your car comes to an abrupt halt. Usually it’s hard to miss and you can even hear it through rolled up windows but if you are listening to music or the radio, you’ll likely to miss it. Here are a few other signs to watch out for:

J & L Automotive Repairs & Service, Inc. will investigate any of the above issues and proceed to do a thorough maintenance sweep. Without proper functional brakes, your car is a safety hazard and should not be on the road. Regular tune-ups will prevent these sort of issues from happening and add longevity to your automobile. If you don’t want to end up spending countless amounts of money on repairs, or a new car every few years, choose us as your company. We will make sure your car is running smoothly and those brakes are working perfectly.

How Much Does Brake Service Cost?

While the cost of brake repair service is relatively affordable, the price will always fluctuate. The total cost will be based on the vehicle make and model, brake component quality, and labor rates. However, most brake pad replacements fall into an affordable range that prevents a major repair bill. For just the brake pad replacement service, you can expect to pay within typical pricing for the parts and labor.

If the brake rotors and discs need changing as well, you can expect an increase in the cost due to the additional parts and labor required. We provide upfront estimates so you understand the full expense before authorizing any repairs.

How to Tell if You Need New Brake Pads

Your vehicle's brake pads will eventually need replacement since they're used regularly and will eventually wear down. However, with proper maintenance and repairs, you can extend the need for replacement for an extended time.

Signs that new brake pads may be required include:

• Squealing, squeaking, or grinding noises when applying the brakes
• Brake pedal vibration or pulsation when stopping
• Having to press the pedal harder to get the brakes to engage
• Brake pad wear indicator lights illuminating on the dash

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to have your brakes inspected as continuing to drive on worn pads can cause damage to the rotors and compromise safety.

When Are New Rotors Required?

In some cases, replacing just the brake pads is not enough. If the brakes have not been maintained regularly, then new rotors and discs may also be needed.

Here are situations that warrant new discs and rotors:

• The rotors are significantly worn down below minimum thickness
• There is visible scoring, grooves, or hard spots on the rotor surface
• The rotors have developed excessive rust or lips around the edges

Trying to put new brake pads on rotors that are damaged or below specs can lead to poor brake performance, increased wear, and an unsafe driving situation. Having both components replaced together is recommended in some scenarios.

How Long Does It Take to Change Brake Pads?

For most vehicles, a professional brake pad replacement service takes approximately 1-2 hours if just replacing the pads and performing necessary inspections. However, the time can increase to 2-4 hours if the brake rotors/discs also need to be replaced or if any additional brake repairs are discovered and included in the service. One of our technicians will give you an accurate turnaround estimate once the brake pads are inspected.

What Causes Brakes to Squeak

If you're hearing an annoying squeaking or squealing from your vehicle's brakes, it may be caused by:

• Worn brake pads are getting too thin
• Glazed or hardened brake pad surfaces
• Brake pad materials curing and hardening over time
• Embedded debris or rust buildup on the brake rotors
• Damaged, loose, or misaligned brake pad hardware
• Low-quality brake pads made from subpar materials

While some brake noise is normal for wear indicators, excessive squeaking that persists can point to problems that need addressing through pad replacement or other brake repairs.