How Often Should You Service Your Brakes?
Are you able to stop your car on the proverbial dime? If not, it’s time to schedule a brake service. No one wants to be the cause of an accident. There is no clear-cut schedule that tells you when it's time to replace your brakes, so you need to rely on your observations when driving also on the recommendations of a brake repair technician. As you know, a tire rotation should be done about every six months, so that is a good reminder to also have the brakes inspected at the same time.
Listed below are some signs of brake problems:
- Dashboard warning light -- Newer cars are equipped with electronic wear indicators that alert the driver with a dashboard warning if the pads wear down to the minimum thickness. However, don’t rely on this warning as it typically only comes on expensive luxury cars. It is better to rely on regular brake inspections.
- Squealing -- Many cars also have built-in wear sensors that scrape against a brake disc when the pads need replacing. You will hear an annoying screeching sound when applying the brakes (or when the brakes are released). Squeaking, squealing, metal-on-metal grinding is noises that indicate wear. Some minor noises can be eliminated by cleaning the brakes.
- Vibrating -- When stepping on the brake, you may feel it vibrating, wobbling, or scraping.
- Leaking brake fluid -- A burning smell while driving could mean the brake fluid is leaking and getting onto hot metal.
- Longer stopping distances -- When you apply the brakes your foot goes down, closer to the floor. Because brake linings wear gradually, you may not notice it until it has reached the hazardous stage.
- Car pulls to one side -- If the steering wheel tugs or the car pulls to one side or the other during braking, you may have one worn or otherwise compromised front pad.
Wondering how often should you service your brakes? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
Are you able to stop your car on the proverbial dime? If not, it’s time to schedule a brake service. No one wants to be the cause of an accident. There is no clear-cut schedule that tells you when it's time to replace your brakes, so you need to rely on your observations when driving also on the recommendations of a brake repair technician. As you know, a tire rotation should be done about every six months, so that is a good reminder to also have the brakes inspected at the same time.
Listed below are some signs of brake problems:
- Dashboard warning light -- Newer cars are equipped with electronic wear indicators that alert the driver with a dashboard warning if the pads wear down to the minimum thickness. However, don’t rely on this warning as it typically only comes on expensive luxury cars. It is better to rely on regular brake inspections.
- Squealing -- Many cars also have built-in wear sensors that scrape against a brake disc when the pads need replacing. You will hear an annoying screeching sound when applying the brakes (or when the brakes are released). Squeaking, squealing, metal-on-metal grinding is noises that indicate wear. Some minor noises can be eliminated by cleaning the brakes.
- Vibrating -- When stepping on the brake, you may feel it vibrating, wobbling, or scraping.
- Leaking brake fluid -- A burning smell while driving could mean the brake fluid is leaking and getting onto hot metal.
- Longer stopping distances -- When you apply the brakes your foot goes down, closer to the floor. Because brake linings wear gradually, you may not notice it until it has reached the hazardous stage.
- Car pulls to one side -- If the steering wheel tugs or the car pulls to one side or the other during braking, you may have one worn or otherwise compromised front pad.
Wondering how often should you service your brakes? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
