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How Often Should You Change Your Brake Pads at Your Chrysler Dealer?

A mechanic performing a brake repair near Anderson, Indiana.

Ensuring your Chrysler or Pacifica's braking system properly works is crucial for road safety. Brake pads play a significant role in this system, as they create the necessary friction when pressed against the rotors to slow down and stop your car. It's important to replace the pads at your Chrysler dealer before they wear too thin and can't provide you with the necessary stopping power to keep you safe behind the wheel. 

Lifespan and Mileage 

The lifespan of pads differs significantly and can range from 30,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on the vehicle you drive, the road conditions, and how frequently you use your brakes. If you drive on quiet country roads, the pads will last much longer than when you brake often or hard on congested roads in heavy traffic. To ensure your safety, replace the pads between 30,000 and 50,000 miles.

Pad Thickness and Measurements

New pads are typically eight to twelve millimeters thick, but the lining will wear down each time you use your brakes. The pads must be at least 6.4 millimeters thick to create the necessary friction to slow down and stop your car.

If they are thinner or the wear indicators start making squealing sounds, replacing the pads as soon as possible is best to prevent brake failure. Ask your Chrysler technician to measure the pad thickness regularly and replace the pads before they wear too thin.

Inspections

Get a comprehensive brake inspection at your dealer from a certified technician at least once a year or every time you take your car for routine maintenance. Regular brake inspections and pad measurements will ensure the pads are replaced before they wear down and get so thin they don't work effectively and cause damage to the rotors. 

Replacement Signs

There are signs to look out for that warn you when to get new pads. The wear indicators built into the pads will make high-pitched squealing sounds when the pads get too thin, and when the linings are worn down, your car will take longer to slow down and stop. In some cases, your car will even start to pull to the left or right when you apply the brakes.

If you don't heed the signs, the pads will soon wear so thin that the bare metal will scrape against the rotors, making hideous grinding noises and causing severe damage that will lead to expensive repairs. 

It's vital to ensure your pads are thick enough to ensure your safety on the road. If you notice your pads are thin or squeal while braking, it's best to get them replaced by a certified Chrysler technician as soon as possible. Call Ed Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today to schedule a brake inspection, pad thickness measurement, and a professional replacement with quality pads.

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