Brake Maintenance Saves Money & Lives
Don’t ignore warning signs of potential brake problems.
Ignoring problems with car brakes is a common mistake that a lot of drivers make, but this is not a good idea. Your car needs really good brakes in order to keep you safe and make sure you can stop in plenty of time if and when you need to. They should be able to perform emergency stops with no problem at all, but when they start to wear down their efficiency drops, meaning you are driving a potentially unsafe car. It’s really important that you keep up to date with your brake repairs and always make sure they are well-maintained at all times, particularly if you are setting out on a long journey. Here’s a little more about brakes and how to take care of them.
How Do I Know if There is a Problem with My Car’s Brakes?
Brakes usually give various signs that they are in need of service of repair.
Here are some things to be aware of:
- Degraded performance
- Soft pedal that goes down to the floor
- Hard pedal that takes barely a tap
- Squealing or squeaking noises
- Grinding or vibrations
- Burning smells
Related: Having a Hard Time Stopping? Brakes Don’t Last Forever
Your brakes might suddenly start performing differently.
Usually, you can feel if there is a problem with the brakes. They mimght start to feel soft or mushy, and the pedal will go all the way down before much happens. Or, the pedal might suddenly become overly sensitive and only a tap will result in very hard braking. Don’t ignore this – these symptoms are indicators that something is seriously wrong and could result in greater damage, or complete failure and an accident. It’s definitely not safe to operate a vehicle with such brake problems.
Pay attention to warning lights.
If any warning lights are lit up on the dashboard then this is another time to have things checked over – you may be low on brake fluid. It’s easy to check brake fluid – just take a look at your owner’s manual, or stop by your mechanic.
Do not ignore strange sounds, vibration, or grinding when you brake.
Squealing noises are usually emitted as part of a built-in warning system for your brakes that tells you the brake pads need to be replaced. If you experience harsh grinding sounds or sensations, then it’s a sign you’re burned completely through the brake pads and the metal calipers are grinding against the rotors. This situation is dangerous and can cause catastrophic damage if it leads to complete failure. It is als0 costly to repair – and totally avoidable if you just pay attention to the squealing warning sounds. Additionally, the grinding of metal parts on each other creates friction, which results in high heat and possibly burning smells. Always tackle the problem the minute you discover it – don’t risk driving a car that is unsafe.
Pay Attention to Your Driving Habits
The way you drive affects the wear and tear on your brakes.
Disc brakes are a great asset to any car, but some people do not realize the way their driving impacts the life of the brakes. If you are too heavy on the brakes – for instance a lot of fast driving and short, hard stopping – you will burn through the brakes more quickly than normal and end up with expensive repair bills. If you can, remember to brake softly and in plenty of time before you need to stop. Of course there will be the odd time when you will have to stomp on them, but only do this when you really have to. During your day-to-day driving, braking softly and steadily will ensure that you get the longest life out of your brakes.
Related: How Brakes Work Infographic
Regular Maintenance
Have your brakes checked regularly for simple safety and peace of mind.
Your local auto repair center will be happy to check your brakes, and we recommend that you get them inspected at least once every 5,000 miles or with each scheduled maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer. That way you can be aware of problems that are on their way – such as brake pads that are not in need of replacement yet, but will be in a certain number of miles or months – as well as problems that need immediate attention. You will also need to ensure that there is plenty of brake fluid and that the handbrake or parking brake is working as it should. These things will all be picked up in a regular service, and most people have their car serviced about once a year.
AAMCO Colorado Can Help You Maintain Safe, Reliable Brakes
The right service, right price – trust AAMCO Colorado.
Properly maintained brakes are an essential part of car safety, so make sure that yours are not neglected – have them checked regularly. At AAMCO Colorado, we want your car to get you where you need to be safely. If you live along the Colorado Front Range and need brake repairs,transmission service, radiator repair, or any other auto repair or maintenance service, contact your local AAMCO Colorado auto service center to schedule an appointment. Ask about our specials.