According to NHTSA data, brake failure takes second place for crashes attributed to vehicles. It’s an alarming statistic, mostly because people are often confused about when they need to replace their brakes.
Brakes can last anywhere between 20,000 and 70,000 miles. This number depends on driving conditions and the driving style of the person behind the wheel. The variance between those numbers is higher than, for example, getting an oil change (every 5,000 to 7,000 miles).
Knowing how to tell if you need new brakes is quite challenging if you’re going by the mileage. Because of the wide range, relying on mileage to recognize when to change the brakes is ill-advised.
Fortunately, you can pick up on better clues that your car is due for a brake change. Keep your eyes and ears open for these warning signs!
How to Tell if You Need New Brakes by Listening