Vehicle Maintenance when to have Brakes Serviced
Some parts on your car should not be ignored. If you ignore your brakes, they will go away, but you will not be happy or safe. With brakes, it is important to not only repair them, but have them regularly inspected for wear and defects. For many drivers, brakes are one of the parts that create the most distrust between them and their mechanics. However, in the case of brakes, unless you are willing and able to do your own inspections and repairs, not believing the mechanic can be a mistake that you cannot afford to make.
Listen to your brakes.
Most of the time, brakes will signal you with sounds that will indicate that brake service is needed. High pitched squeaking sounds coming from the front or rear brakes are excellent hints that you need to have your brakes looked at. There are small metal markers attached to your brake pads. When the pads get down to the last quarter of their life, these markers will begin to rub against the brake rotors and emit a high pitched annoying sound. As more of the pad wears away, the sound will become constant and louder.
Growling noises coming from any corner of your vehicle should be checked.
These types of sounds can be caused by bits of debris getting between your brakes and the rotor or hub. They will resolve themselves without any intervention if this is all that is going on. However, if the sounds persist or get worse, do not assume they are not insignificant. In fact, if it is time for trip to the shop for an oil change or other servicing, you should have the brakes inspected just to be sure that all is well.
Shaking or less than smooth movement when braking is a sign that brake servicing is needed.
These types of problems can mean brake issues exist beyond the pads and shoes. Rotors can become warped or develop irregular surfaces. This can mean they need to be turned or replaced. Turning a brake rotor or hub is a process where a small amount of its surface is removed to restore a smooth braking surface. If the hub or rotor is too thin, it will have to be replaced. Many times you will need to replace the brake shoes or pads when this type of repair is made.
Weak or failing brakes are a sure sign that you need to get brake servicing as quickly as possible.
Normally, this type of failure is associated with a problem in the brake hydraulics. You may have a leaky brake line. It could be low on brake fluid from brake wear, and this has allowed air to get into the brake lines. The vehicle’s master cylinder may be starting fail from age or defects. Wheel cylinders or brake calipers may be failing or leaking. None of these potential problems are good news when considering the safety of you or the passengers in your car. If the brakes do not slow or stop the car when applied, park the car and make arrangements to have it towed to the repair shop.
Keep track of the calendar.
You should have your brakes inspected at least annually. Choose a time when you are going to have your car in the shop for other maintenance and have the brakes examined for all four wheels. Insist that the mechanic record for you the findings from the inspection to prove that the inspection was actually made. A good time to have this inspection made is either the last service appointment before winter weather or before taking a long trip in the vehicle. Learn to check your own brake fluid level and check it at least once per week.
