Brake pads need replacement at only 16,000 miles
The brake indicator light on the display came on. I've only put about 16,000 miles on them.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. The brake wear indicator will illuminate when your brake pads are worn or there is a problem with the brake pad sensors. The brake pads may be worn enough at 16,000 miles to warrant replacement. I suggest you have a professional, like one from YourMechanic, perform a brake inspection on your vehicle to reduce any further complications.
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While it might seem more cost-effective to just replace the worn pads, it can be dangerous and unwise in the long run as all four pads should always be replaced together. Regular brake maintenance is essential to ensure your vehicle`s performance and safety on the road.
Replacing brake pads only
If your rotors aren`t worn or damaged when you go in for brake service, you can probably get away with changing just the brake pads.
There`s no hard and fast rule for this. Brake pads can last anywhere from 25,000 miles to 70,000 miles. However, a good rule of thumb is to consider replacing your brake pads after 30,000 to 40,000 miles, to be on the safe side.
As brake pad wear sensors are designed to break, they should be replaced as a matter of course every time new brake pads are fitted. It`s also advisable to regularly inspect the sensors, in between pad changes, and replace where necessary.
Some manufacturers require all four sets of pads (one set per wheel) to be replaced at the same time. Changing all four sets of pads at the same time optimizes the vehicle`s braking capacity. The brakes are the second most important safety feature of any car or truck after the driver.
You do not need to replace all 4 rotors at the same time, but it is recommended to replace the rotors and pads as a set for each axle front or back at the same time. If the front brakes need to be replaced but the rear brakes are not worn out yet, then you do not need to replace the rear brakes.
Yes, brake pads do come in pairs since most vehicles need two on each wheel. Every wheel requires two brake pads. So, if you need to replace the brake pads on one wheel, you need two brake pads. You must replace both of the pads on a wheel at the same time.
Don`t be afraid to ask questions
We`ll usually recommend brake pads at 2 or 3mm. However, we`re never going to say that the brakes aren`t safe, or you shouldn`t drive, or any other scary stuff. If you ask if you can wait a month or two, the answer is yes, you`ll likely be fine.
Typically, 4mm of brake pad is recommended, so if you think they`re thinner than that, it`s time to get them checked and possibly replaced. This is the easiest way to keep on top of your brake pad condition and requires no tools or training to carry out.
These sensors may be on one side of the vehicle or both. If you see the Audi brake warning light illuminated on your dashboard instrument cluster, brake repair service is imminent. You have roughly 1,000 – 3,000 miles left on your front pads and Audi brake rotors.
As mentioned above, brake sensors are designed to break. You should replace them each time you replace your brake pads. It is also a good idea to inspect the sensors regularly between pad changes and replace them when necessary.
Almost every Audi for the past 20 years has been equipped with electronic brake pad wear sensors. Most of them mount the brake pad with a clip, but some are molded into the brake pad. These sensors change their electrical resistance as the loop of wire is worn down and eventually breaks as the brake pads wear down.
Yes, many car experts recommend that you bleed all four brakes once you open one of the brake lines to replace a caliper or do other work. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, particularly if the brake line you are having work done to is independent of the other lines.
Each of your car`s wheels has its own brake pad and rotors. Over time, the constant friction between these two parts wears the brake pad down. The less traction it has, the less effective it is at stopping your vehicle when you need it most.
The front brakes play a greater role in slowing down your car because braking redistributes the weight of the vehicle to the front wheels. This is why vehicles who have a mix of disc and drum brake systems favour installation of disc systems for the front brakes and drum systems for the rear brakes.
Brake rotors in cars are circular metal discs connected to the wheels. There are four brake rotors installed in cars, one for each wheel. The rotors` primary purpose is to slow down the turning of the car`s wheels by utilizing friction.
Generally, your brake pads should all wear at the same time, which makes for an easy replacement. Typically, you should have both your front brake pads replaced at the same time, and your rear pads replaced at the same time, to ensure proper braking power.
You can replace your brake pads in pairs (the front or the rear) at the same time or separately. If your front brake pads are in need of repair or replacement, your mechanic can fix this issue independently. It`s also important to note that your front and rear brake pads wear at very different rates.
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.
You can replace your brake pads in pairs (the front or the rear) at the same time or separately. If your front brake pads are in need of repair or replacement, your mechanic can fix this issue independently. It`s also important to note that your front and rear brake pads wear at very different rates.
Every car comes with two front brakes and two rear brakes. Older vehicles typically have drum brakes in both the front and rear. In contrast, modern cars tend to have either disc brakes on all four wheels or disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the back.
Yes, brake pads do come in pairs since most vehicles need two on each wheel. Every wheel requires two brake pads. So, if you need to replace the brake pads on one wheel, you need two brake pads. You must replace both of the pads on a wheel at the same time.
Yes, brake pads do come in pairs since most vehicles need two on each wheel. Every wheel requires two brake pads. So, if you need to replace the brake pads on one wheel, you need two brake pads. You must replace both of the pads on a wheel at the same time.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Brake calipers needing replacement after brake pads and rotors were replaced?
ANSWER : I think you have it backwards. The pads and rotors do not cause bad calipers, but a sticking or binding caliper can cause the pads to wear excessively and cause the pads to dig into the rotors. The calipers may not of been binding until the caliper pistons had to be pushed back to install the new pads. It would be recommended to have the brake system flushed after replacing the calipers, pads, and rotors so the system has all new fluid. A certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to perform any needed repairs with your brake system.
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Rear brake job
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. These situations are understandably questionable. The service providers at a lot of common oil changing and tire repair centers will quote you for a variety of things that can be updated. This does not always mean you are in dire need for more repairs. If braking seems to be harder, spongy, or takes longer, then you have reason to be concerned. Otherwise, you should check the amount of brake pad material left on the calipers. This can be visually inspected without too much trouble. Remove the wheel and physically measure the amount left, compare them to your vehicle specifications. It is a little early to worry about brake fluid or the rotors. However if the brake fluid is low, the rotors are warped from a hard stop, or there are obvious issues you should look into the system further. Only further inspection will confirm or deny the recommendations. For a second inspection, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake pads need replacement at only 16,000 miles
EPC light on 2004 Jetta. Code said brake switch faulty, but brakes lights worked. Replaced brake switch, now no brake lights.
ANSWER : Hi there. The first thing that pops in my mind beyond of what you have listed is perhaps the electrical harness attached to the brake switch. Perhaps the harness itself is damaged or you have an exposed wire, loose ground wire somewhere. You might want to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a brake lights not working inspection to help you diagnose this issue.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake pads need replacement at only 16,000 miles
I need to speak with Ricardo which was the mechanic on my car in March before booking next appointment. Subject Rear Brake Rotors
ANSWER : Hi Doug. I have forwarded your inquiry to our customer sales department to see if they can see if they are able to put you in contact with Ricardo. If you had work previously done, you should have been sent a direct email from our sales team. You might want to reply to that email directly to expedite the contact process, as this forum is reserved for automotive maintenance recommendations and repair suggestions. Thanks.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake pads need replacement at only 16,000 miles
Does my car need new brake pads and rotors?
ANSWER : Hi there:
In most instances, if the brake pads have not fully worn out, the rotors will not suffer scarring or pitting which typically means the rotors need to be surfaced or replaced. However, it really depends on the damage that has been done or if the rotors may have been warped due to excessive heat or braking. Before you take your vehicle to any of these shops, you might want to have professional mobile mechanics complete a brake pads and rotor inspection to give you an accurate assessment of the repairs you need to have completed on your Volvo.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake pads need replacement at only 16,000 miles
How long should my brake pads last
ANSWER : This is definitely not normal and should be looked at more closely to get a second opinion. You are correct that your brake pads should last at least 25,000 miles or more in some cases. It all depends on the type of car and driving habits of the owner. It may be possible that your pads have been hung up on the brake rotors, causing them to drag against the rotors constantly, wearing them down much faster. However this is usually very noticeable when you’re driving and may have cased other issues with the rotors in the process. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to inspect your brakes to determine why they’re wearing so quickly.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake pads need replacement at only 16,000 miles
I replaced the brake light switch. Gear lever unlocked because it had locked. Now the brakes feel hard.
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. You need to check the brake switch install adjustment. You may have the switch adjusted too tight and it is holding the the brake pedal partly down. This will cause the brake master cylinder to not release the brakes when you let off the pedal. Readjust the switch away from the pedal until you feel some free play again in the pedal. This should fix the problem. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake pads need replacement at only 16,000 miles
Have replace rear brake pads 6 times in three months.
ANSWER : Hi there:
It’s very possible that you have either a warped rotor that is causing your brake pads to constantly rub or the caliper is damaged; causing the same problem. You should have a professional mechanic complete a rear brakes inspection before the issue gets worse and creates a potential safety issue.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake pads need replacement at only 16,000 miles
