We rely on our brakes more than we realize. In fact, we take them for granted. Every time we press them, they work, but what happens if they start to go bad? Taking them to a mechanic is a good step, but it’s not the only thing you can do to ensure that your brakes are properly maintained.
Pay Attention to Details
When your brakes start to go bad, you’ll be the first to notice the small signs. Be sure to not discount them because they may be easy to overlook in the beginning. If you experience any vibrations, high-pitched squealing, or if it takes more force to stop your vehicle than it has in the past, you’ll want to head to a mechanic for a check.
The squealing sound comes from the brake pads wearing out, which is the first line of defense in your braking system. If you ignore that sound, you could be causing more damage and create a more expensive repair.
Change Brake Fluid
Brake fluid isn’t something that most people think about very often, but it’s an important component in getting your vehicle to safely stop. Each vehicle has a specific time interval in which the brake fluid should be changed, but a good rule of thumb is every two years. If it isn’t changed, moisture can build up in the brake fluid and cause metal parts of the braking system to corrode, which could result in the brakes eventually failing to work.
Plan Ahead
When driving, you should always be aware of what’s going on in front of you: if you’ll need to make a quick turn, if something is in the middle of the road, or if the upcoming light just changed. All are instances where you’ll need to apply your brake, but you shouldn’t be putting heavy pressure on the peddle suddenly if you can avoid it.
Use the three-second rule to maintain distance from other drivers who may need to quickly slam on the brakes. Pay attention to things that will make you stop and allow yourself some extra time to slow down gradually. When you come to a gradual stop, the engine does some of the slowing down instead, which helps lengthen the life of your brakes.
Schedule Maintenance Appointments
Even if your vehicle feels like it’s driving well, it doesn’t hurt to keep your scheduled maintenance appointments. Trained professionals can detect issues before they ever become a problem, so you’ll be saving yourself money in the future by allowing them to take a look before you notice anything wrong. Generally, a service technician will recommend that your brakes be changed every 25,000 miles or if you only have one-eighth inch of the brake pad remaining.
When it comes to your brakes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t ignore strange sounds and make sure your vehicle gets regular maintenance. If you experience a lot of mechanical issues with your vehicle, maybe it’s time for a new one. Visit us and schedule a test drive today.