Keep your Chevy Tahoe driving and stopping safely with maintained brake components. Whether you’re preparing to haul a heavy trailer or for a family road trip, learn more about basic brake components and the steps for brake pad replacement. With a few easy steps you can ensure your Tahoe can safely stop when you need it to.
Brake Components Explained
Your truck uses the same basic braking system of most automobiles. A Chevy Tahoe uses brake lines to activate calipers. These hold brake pads and, when activated, press them against rotors to rapidly slow down your truck.
All of these components are subjected to wear through normal use. Pads in particular experience a significant amount of friction. Even the best pads need to be replaced routinely, so explore the signs of worn-out brake pads and find out how often you need to replace them.
How Often Should You Change Your Brakes
Your Tahoe is an incredibly versatile vehicle, so it’s difficult to set an exact brake maintenance schedule. The number of miles your pads, rotors and brake fluid can last all depend on the type of driving you’re doing. In general, expect to replace your brake pads every 50,000 miles.
If you invest in quality Chevy Tahoe auto parts you may be able to extend this maintenance schedule to 70,000 miles. However, heavy braking can require maintenance after just 25,000 miles. Inspect your brake pads or talk to your local auto parts expert to find a more personalized maintenance schedule. Don’t assume your pads can last 50,000 or more miles, but inspect your own pads for prompt maintenance.
How To Check Your Brake Pads
You can get a good idea of the lifespan of your brakes by a visual inspection without removing any components. Simply look through the spokes of your Tahoe’s tires and look for the brake pads on the caliper assembly. There should be 1/4 inch or more friction material left. Less than this and it may be time to replace them.
Another easy way to keep track of your brake system is by listening and feeling their performance on the road. A visual inspection is important, but you can typically hear squealing sounds or experience a decrease in braking efficiency when it’s time to repair your brakes.
For a more thorough inspection you’ll need to pull your truck into your garage or work area and lift up the front end. Once your area is secure carefully remove the caliper assembly and take the old brake pad off the assembly. Look for uneven wear, overall wear or any cracking. Swap out your brake pads with OEM or aftermarket replacements designed to fit your truck.
Compare Brake Components and Auto Parts Online
Restore your full braking power with a safe and effective maintenance routine. Enjoy affordable rates and additional information about brake pads, calipers, Chevy Tahoe oil filters and other automotive parts by shopping online or at your nearest auto store. Watch out for these signs of brake pad wear and create your own maintenance schedule.