I drive a 2008 VW Jetta. It is at 32,000 miles, and is due for it's next oil change and so on at 33,500 miles. Last time I had my oil changed they told me my brakes were at half. The brakes have just now barely begun to squeak this week. The Jetta is a very quiet car, so I have to roll down my window to hear it, but about every 10th time I hit the brakes, I can hear a little shimmer of a squeak. I have heard that if you wait on replacing break pads it can cost more, and I do not want it to get to that point. My question is this: can I safely wait another 1,500 miles before taking it to the dealership? I am very busy and would like to wait for the next scheduled oil change if possible. I love my Jetta and do not want it to get hurt!
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How many miles do I have from the time that car breaks start squealing to replace them?
- Thread starter Laura
- Start date
rann_georgia
New member
Oh, I'd say your car is trying to tell you something. There are brake sensors that sounds like little bells ringing when your brakes are gone.
If that's what you're hearing, I'd say you have about 50 to 75 miles before having to replace the rotors and face a much more expensive repair.
If that's what you're hearing, I'd say you have about 50 to 75 miles before having to replace the rotors and face a much more expensive repair.
1,500 miles of highway driving is different than 1,500 miles of city driving. City driving is much, much worse on your brakes because of all the stop and go. If the low brake alert is going off, than means there is almost metal to metal contact between your caliper and rotor.
I don't think anyone is going to recommend that you don't get them replaced ASAP but you may be able to get by with 1,500 highway miles assuming you don't run into a lot of actual braking situations.
However, with that said, please note that I said "may" and that you should get them replaced ASAP. If you are that busy, go somewhere that will loan you a car so your schedule isn't impacted. That way, you and everyone else on the road with you can stay safe.
I don't think anyone is going to recommend that you don't get them replaced ASAP but you may be able to get by with 1,500 highway miles assuming you don't run into a lot of actual braking situations.
However, with that said, please note that I said "may" and that you should get them replaced ASAP. If you are that busy, go somewhere that will loan you a car so your schedule isn't impacted. That way, you and everyone else on the road with you can stay safe.
Brake squealing is typically caused by the brake pads being worn down to the point that when you press the pedal, the metal part of the pad is now contacting the brake disc. To have your oil changed a little early is fine, so you might as well take it in.
You should also check the price the dealer will charge for pads and labor, they tend to be quite high. It is worth asking at Autozone for a price on some good pads (I like EBC Green Stuff) and checking with your local Midas on the price to fit them.
You should also check the price the dealer will charge for pads and labor, they tend to be quite high. It is worth asking at Autozone for a price on some good pads (I like EBC Green Stuff) and checking with your local Midas on the price to fit them.