GENUINE MAZDA BRAKES HAVE A LIFETIME WARRANTY

Brakes are a vital component of your vehicle, and keeping brake pads and other elements fresh and maintained is key, not only for safety but to avoid potentially expensive accidents. Brake pads should be replaced every 30,000 to 40,000 miles for maximum performance, but that number varies based on driving conditions and the vehicle itself. No matter the kind of Mazda you drive, from the CX-5 to the CX-30, maintaining and keeping an eye on the condition of your brakes is easy once you know what you’re looking for. 

Find more information about determining if you should replace your Mazda’s brakes in our comprehensive guide.

Signs You Should Replace Your Brakes

If you notice any of these signs happening on your Mazda vehicle, it’s time to contact our service department. Do not risk keeping your vehicle running in an unsafe condition. Take note when you see any of the following:

• Brake vibration: If your vehicle vibrates noticeably or aggressively while braking, the system likely needs expert assistance. Sometimes neglected or faulty rotors can be misshapen over time, which in turn results in uneven brake pad wear.
• Squeaking brakes: If your vehicle’s brake pads are nearing the end of their usable life, you’ll likely hear a high-pitched squeaking or squealing noise coming from it when you apply the brake.
• Longer stopping distance: Loss of brake strength and stopping power is another immediate sign that your vehicle’s brakes need to be looked at. If you are having trouble stopping the car when you press the brakes, it is possible that the brake pads are worn out or that the brake fluid level is low (sometimes due to a leak).
• Brake pad indicator lights on: Your Mazda’s dashboard has two different lights it can show to warn you about brake condition. One is the Antilock Braking System (ABS) light, while the other is the braking system warning light. Although the brake light does not always glow when there is a problem, seeing either is a bad sign.
• Thin brake pads: You can visually inspect your Mazda’s brake pads yourself by searching behind and between the spokes of the wheels. Visit our service center in Fort Worth if you observe a quarter inch of pad between your wheel spokes or less.

What Factors Determine Brake Replacement Time?

The 30,000 to 40,000-mile rule is so broad because time is a minimal factor with brakes. How much you drive isn’t so much a factor as how much you are stopping at higher speeds and stopping firmly. Brake pads rely on friction to stop the wheel rotors, and the harder they stop, the more intense the friction and heat produced. Try to drive defensively and steadily, and you’ll be rewarded with more time between brake replacements.

It may also help to factor in your lifestyle and the types of places you drive through. Do you cruise through the hustle and bustle of a major metro area like Dallas-Fort Worth, hitting the brakes minimally, or is your typical driving experience more urban and filled with stop-and-go traffic? With the latter, you’ll be slamming on the brakes more often over the course of a year. While you’re making your way from stoplight to stoplight, slowing down for other cars, and stopping to make turns, think about whether changes to your routine or plans could reduce how much wear you put on your brakes.

Tips To Prolong Your Mazda Brake Life Span

Anyone can say that driving more carefully will lead to using the brakes less, but what does that mean in more concrete terms? Take a look at our tips to increase the life of your Mazda’s brake pads.

• Avoid driving at high speeds: Braking from a faster speed is exponentially harder on the pads and system. In other words, having the wheels spinning even faster and carrying the vehicle forward with that much more velocity will lead to more wear and tear on your brakes when you come to a hard stop.
• Slow down naturally: No matter your actual speed when braking, the rate at which you come to a stop also determines the intensity of the brake wear. Try to slow down naturally and ahead of time, without any strong lurches.
• Be prepared for traffic: When you’re stuck in traffic, you are constantly using your brakes to deal with the stop-and-go nature of a traffic jam. To help reduce the use of your brakes, let cars move forward for a second when traffic starts to move and anticipate traffic ahead of you as much as you can. The sooner you see an incoming stop, the earlier you can start braking, which reduces the chance of having to slam on your brakes.
• Avoid carrying excess weight: Heavy sports equipment, large pet cages, and other burdensome objects make the brake pads work harder, as there is more velocity from the increased weight.

What Happens if I Don’t Replace My Brake Pads?

If brake pads are ignored for long enough, wheel rotor damage is inevitable. The metal calipers that keep the brake pads in place will grind against the rotor when they are fully worn out. As a result, the calipers and rotor may be damaged, necessitating an expensive repair or replacement just to drive the vehicle again. More importantly, a neglected brake system could fail when making a sudden stop, causing an accident or worsening one that just happened.

How Often Should I Replace Brakes in General?

We recommend the average driver get general inspections for their Mazda, brakes included, every six months or sooner. This kind of vigilance will help ensure your Mazda’s performance remains at its best.

Concerned about whether it’s the best time to get your Mazda checked out? Ask about our warranty on Genuine Mazda brakes, pads, and shoes when you visit Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth.

How Much Does Brake Pad Replacement Cost?

The average brake pad repair will cost between $100 and $200. It’s best to take your Mazda to a shop where the specialists know what they are doing and have a focus on your type of vehicle. Our specialists at Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth are well versed in all things Mazda, and we only utilize authentic manufacturer components made specifically for your Mazda3, Mazda6, or any other model.

Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth’s experienced crew will get your Mazda running at its best after our expert service. Our Mazda maintenance combines quality and speed, streamlining everything to get you back on the road as soon as possible.