With winter conditions right around the corner, now is the perfect time to get your brakes checked. Proper brake functioning is vital to your safety and the safety of those in your vehicle and on the road with you. If you notice squeaking or grinding of your brakes or if your steering wheel is shaking during braking, your brakes may not be working as they should.
Over time, your vehicle’s brake pads and rotors wear out and need replacing. Brake fluid, which transfers pedal pressure to those pads and rotors via brake lines attached to calipers at each wheel, should be inspected for level and quality on a regular basis. As brake fluid ages, it collects contaminants and may absorb moisture, reducing the life and effectiveness of other brake system components and even accelerating the rusting of your brake lines. Ask your mechanic if it is time for a brake fluid flush.
The components of your braking system can also collect rust and dirt and may need to be cleaned every once in a while. Ask your vehicle technician if your brakes are due for a cleaning. They can also lubricate your caliper pins, which reduces brake “stick” and “drag” and saves gas.
An often overlooked vehicle system that may require maintenance is your vehicle’s emergency braking system. Have your technician look at your emergency braking system and clean and lubricate its components if required.
Don’t ignore your vehicle’s warning signs when it comes to your brakes. Squeaking, squealing, grinding or pulsing can be signs that your brakes need maintenance. Ignoring these can cause disaster later on. When in doubt, have a professional take a look.
These brake maintenance tips can increase the life of your vehicle and increase trade-in value. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Have your brakes checked by one of our professionals today!