How Frequent Should You Get Your Brakes Serviced?

There’s nothing more important than your safety on the road, so it’s crucial to keep up with regular brake service. Brakes are an important component of your car, and ensuring that they’re in good working order is crucial to maintaining it.

But when is the right time to get your brakes serviced? And what kind of signs should you look out for that could indicate that they need some attention? Some parts show signs of sticking or seizing or when the pedal feels mushy or vibrates when you push it down.

However, do you know where to take your car to get it looked at and serviced? Auto repair experts at Same Day Auto Repair will help you schedule your brake service and get your vehicle back on the road in no time.

How Do Brakes Work?

The brake system is one of your car’s most important safety features. It allows you to slow down and stop when you need to, and it needs to be in good working order at all times. So what are the brake system parts, and how do they work?

It has two types of brakes, rear brakes and front brakes. The front brake is the most important since it stops the car, and its wheel operates independently of the other. It uses rotors that are large metal discs as a braking mechanism. The rear brakes are usually made of rotors, slows the car down, but several producers now install expanding drum brakes to reduce costs.

When you press the brake pedal, it seizes the brake fluid, then pushes through a series of pipes to the brakes. When the brake fluid reaches the brakes, it travels through pistons that push the brake pads against the rotors to slow down and stop your car.

A brake drum on the back tires houses the brake shoes, and when the brake fluid pushes the piston, the shoes are forced against the drum to slow down and stop the car.

Any component of the system can fail, but the most common issue is a problem with the brake pads. The purpose of the brake pads is to create friction against the rotors or drums to slow down or stop the car, so when they wear out, they can cause problems. If brake pad repair and shoes are not replaced in time, it may damage the rotors or drums and cause more serious problems.

Signs of Brake Wear

Regardless of how you drive or where you travel, your brakes will wear down with time. In Sand Springs, Auto repair experts recommend that you get your brakes serviced 20,000-60,000 miles or so to ensure they’re in good working order. The best option is to check the thickness of the brake pads. However, some signs to watch out for could indicate that your brakes need some attention.

Strange Sounds

If you hear a squealing or grinding sound when you press the brakes, it could signify that they need to be serviced. These sounds are usually caused by brake pads worn down and needing to be replaced. Sound acts as a safety feature, alerting you to a problem before it becomes serious.

A grinding sound means that the brake pads have worn down completely and may be damaging your rotors or drums. Under these circumstances, driving could result in significant vehicle damage and safety risk for you.

Vibration

If your brake pedal trembles when you press it, it could signify that the rotors or drums are warped. Brake rotors are what press against the brake pads to stop your car, so if they’re warped, it can cause problems. You may also feel a trembling in the steering wheel. 

You should get your brakes examined as soon as possible by a qualified, trustworthy auto repair expert in Sand Springs.

Vehicle Pulls

When slowing down, does the car pull to the left or right? It indicates that your brakes must be serviced if your car pulls excessively when braking due to incorrect tire alignment and rotation. Debris may also be stuck between the rotor and pads. It must be flushed out as soon as possible to avoid further damage, or it’s a sign that professionals must service your car.

Poor Performance

Does your brake pedal feel “slushy” or unresponsive? It’s the obvious sign that you need to get your brakes inspected. Issues with your brake fluid or leak in the brake hose will result in poor performance, so getting it checked out as soon as possible is important.

If the brake feels responsive, but you have to press it down to the floor, it could signify a serious problem. Your brakes are worn out and must be replaced. Search the auto garage near me to find a trusted mechanic to inspect and service your brakes as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Brake Wear

Brakes should be inspected, lubricated, and adjusted every 20,000-60,000 miles. However, brake maintenance is often needed if you drive in stop-and-go traffic or travel on long-distance trips. Your driving habits will contribute to how often you need your brakes serviced. The minimum pressure you put on your brakes, the longer they last.

Other causes of brake wear include:

• Driving on hills with a heavy load
• Using low-quality or unsafe brake pads and other components of the braking system
• Accelerating quickly
• Driving in mountain country where downhill braking is common causes brake pads to wear and tear.

Prevention and Regular Maintenance

Prevention instead of reaction is always the best way to avoid problems. It is important to regularly get your brakes inspected by a professional auto repair service in Sand Springs. Examine the brakes at every oil change.

Another step is to clean everything in the caliper and brake pad at each major service (about every 30,000 miles), take them out and clean them. Technicians inspect the brake pad for uneven wear and check the caliper for leaks. They will reassemble the caliper with a new pad if no further service is required. It’s a great way to keep your brake system healthy and prevent future problems.

Repair/Replace Your Brakes

If the technician determines that the brake system needs to be repaired, there are a lot of costs involved. Brake repair is the process of restoring or replacing a car’s brake system, which may include pad and rotor replacements and caliper repairs. Having a professional auto repair technician handle your vehicle gives you peace of mind that it will be fixed correctly.

Brakes are an essential component of your safety. When fixing something complex, you need the best technicians for the job. Same Day Auto Repair offers you full brake service and maintenance. They will check the whole system and perform any necessary repairs to get you safely back on the road.