When should I change my brakes?

Question

I have an '05 Ford Focus with 16,000 miles on it. I drive it in the city a lot. When do you think I should consider changing the brakes?

Answer 1

They all come with a wear indicator now that qill squeal very loudly when the pads are bad. Not just a little sqeak here and there, they will scream every time you apply the brakes, no matter how hard. You shouldn't need to replace them until well after 30k, even inthe city.

Answer 2

The brakes will squeal like a pig when they need changing.

I change the brakes on my Honda Accord about every 40,000 miles. Mostly city driving.

Answer 3

if you feel there is tremendous loss of braking power even at 35 mph does'nt matter if it squeals or squeaks get it changed.
16000 miles is not much avoid wear and tear by hard or emergency braking. make sure there is enough brake fluid and try using the freeway or drive slowly

Answer 4

Get them check, that is high milage, also you can tell if they start making noises when you break, like a grinding noise, or if your emergency brake seems loose that means the back brakes need work

Answer 5

you need to measure the amount of brake pad left since all brake pads wear at different rates and different driving styles there is no set mileage. go by pad thickness.

Answer 6

well when you brake and your foot sinks all the way down meaning you have to push all the way down on the brake to stop thats a sign to get them replaced

Answer 7

Have them checked. This is usually free. Sometimes the wear indicators will hiss when they need new pads but my truck didn't and I had to get a new rotor last time.

Answer 8

at least have them checked at a garage its free.