Brake discs can get warped or damaged from extreme usage and regular wear and tear. You can usually notice wear on the disc from a pulsating feeling when you press the brake pedal. It may not always be required to replace the discs. If the discs have enough thickness left, your mechanic can resurface them before a replacement is required.
Can You Drive with Worn Brake Discs?
It is not recommended to drive with damaged disc brakes. It will affect your vehicle’s braking performance. No one should drive a vehicle with a brake that cannot work to its full potential.
The minimum recommended disc thickness varies from one vehicle to another based on make, model, and type. You should expect your vehicle’s brake discs to last from 80,000 miles to 120,000 miles. If you notice any signs of wear, you should take your car to a mechanic for inspection.
Signs of Brake Disc Wear
Many of the signs of brake disc wear are easy to spot. Brake discs are critical to a driving experience, and you should immediately notice if something is not right. Faulty brakes are among the most common causes of road traffic accidents. So, whenever you notice the following signs, you should take your car to a reputable mechanic for inspection and repair:
Squealing or Scraping Noise
It is easy to notice this sign. This is a the most common sing that the brake discs have been warped or damaged.
- Brake discs create a squeaking sound when they are warped, worn, or not perfectly flat.
- When the wear becomes severe, the discs make a scraping noise.
If you hear a squealing sound, make sure to have an experienced mechanic check it. This sound can also be caused by worn brake pads.
Reduced Braking Performance
When the brake discs are worn, the brakes take longer to slow down the vehicle. You can also experience vibrations on the brake pedals. If you notice this sign and don’t take your car for a check-up, this can continue to worsen. This can lead to the car not stopping at all when you apply the brakes.
Even when the brake discs are not worn out to an extreme level, it is important to keep the stopping distance to the minimum at all times. If you experience that the car is taking longer to stop, get it checked without delay.
Visible Damage to the Discs
It is recommended to check the brake discs for any visible damage. You should at least do this every time you embark on a long journey. If you notice any deep grooves or score marks on the discs, take your car to a professional for inspection. Such scores and marks are caused by the contact between the discs and pads. Discs are designed to bear this kind of wear and tear. However, they can be damaged to a point where they cannot operate normally any longer.
Unexplained Vibrations on Braking
If you experience unexplained vibrations through the brake pedal and throughout the vehicle, it can be a sign of severe wear on the brake discs. Such vibrations are usually caused by scores and grooves. As the grooves become deeper, they will cause the vibrations to increase. The moment you experience any vibrations, you should take your car for a professional inspection.
The brakes in your vehicle are a vital part of its functioning, ensuring that you stay safe. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, you should get the brakes checked at a reputable auto repair shop. An experienced and qualified mechanic can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.
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