How many miles do you think I could drive a car with worn out breaks?

Question

I got a van that has bad breaks which make scratching noise from the front left side. I am not sure if it's drum brakes or not. It does stop eventually right at the stop signs but seriously I feel unsafe to drive it. Somehow I have made to work, but still gotta drive back home. The distance is about 5-10 miles. Do you think I can be safe to drive home? I called a mechanic today and made an appointment tomorrow.

Answer 1

sooner or later your rotors will break.

Answer 2

you shouldn't. call a tow truck.

Answer 3

it depends. are you in an area where you need to stop? IE traffic, intersections curves, animals, children? or are you in an are where there is nothing but a road such as a speedway? if you are on a speedway with no obstacles you should be alright if you go slow. if you are driving on normal roads, i wouldn't recommend it. it is not your safety you have to worry about but the safety of others. perhaps, a co-worker could give you a ride to the auto parts store where you could purchase the break pads/shoes. then drive back to your vehicle and replace the worn breaks. you could probably get away with only replacing the worst wheel if you don't want to replace them all your self. then you could just drive to the mechanics shop and get a ride home with the same or another co-worker. p.s.: if you work alone you may need to call a cab to get to the auto parts store and home. hope this helps!!

Answer 4

You should have had them inspected as soon as you heard that noise.  Brakes are something you want to make sure are working for obvious reasons.  Call a tow and have them take it to the shop.  In the end though it is your life.