Benefits of Regular Brake Maintenance

When it comes to the safety of your car, there are few things more important than keeping your brakes in good condition. Unfortunately, many drivers neglect their brake maintenance until it’s too late, and repairs are the last thing you want to worry about when you get behind the wheel. Below are the benefits of regular brake maintenance and how it’s critical to keep your vehicle safe on the road.

How Does Brake Service Help?

Brakes are a critical component of your vehicle as they allow you to stop when needed. However, when brakes fail, this can be dangerous and cause small fender benders or major accidents. To prevent this from happening, regular brake maintenance at Express Auto Repair can allow your brakes to work properly and stay engaged when you press the brake pedal.

Brake Pads and Rotors

Brake pads and rotors are parts of the braking system which connects with the tires. These components deteriorate more easily due to extreme friction and require maintenance more frequently. The condition of your brake pads can have a big impact on how well they work, so it’s important to inspect them regularly to make sure there is sufficient resistance. As your pads wear down, they start to put stress on other components of the brake system, including rotors, calipers, and drums. If any of these parts become damaged, this can wind up costing you a great deal of money on repairs.

Brake Fluid

Your car’s brake system relies on brake fluid and is essential to bring it to a stop. Draining and replacing the brake fluid periodically is necessary because it absorbs moisture from the air and degrades over time. Changing the brake fluid at recommended intervals will assure proper brake system functioning. Brake fluid changes should be done at recommended intervals which are every one or two years for proper brake functioning, but this can differ with different vehicles. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for your specific vehicle maintenance.  When wear begins to show, it’s important to get your brakes looked at and have the proper maintenance done by a professional automotive technician.

Are New Brakes Needed?

Not only is regular brake system maintenance important, but it’s also important to pay attention to any signs of brake problems and have them looked at right away to avoid any issues.  Fortunately, when brake pads are wearing down, it’s not too difficult to figure out because you can hear it. Brakes are equipped with a metal shim, called an indicator, which sounds off a high-pitched squealing or screeching sound. This is your warning that brake replacement pads are needed.

Another sign of brake problems is that your brakes simply aren’t stopping your vehicle like they used to. Whether they are pulsing or take longer to engage, you should have them checked out as soon as you can.  If you hear any grinding or metal-on-metal sound, it may likely be other brake system components that have been affected. In addition, the brake system service light on your car’s dashboard will illuminate when the onboard diagnostic system senses any problems with the care. When this happens, you should always take your vehicle in for service as soon as possible.

Get in Touch with a Certified Mechanic

Maintaining your car’s brakes is critical for the safety of you and your passengers. By having regular brake maintenance performed, you can have peace of mind that your brakes are functioning properly while preventing costly repairs in the future. If your car needs brake service, call Express Auto Repair today! Our certified mechanics will ensure your brakes are safe and in great shape.