How Often Should You Have Your Brakes Checked?

Is It Time to Check Your Brakes?

There's no question that brakes are important. If they don't work properly, it's a serious safety risk. But do you know how often you should have a mechanic look at your brakes? Keep reading to find out.

A Primer on Brakes.

Today's vehicles are usually outfitted with disc brakes. When you press the brake pedal, a set of calipers, equipped with pads, squeezes a rotor (the disc). The pads create friction with the rotor to slow your vehicle. It’s a hydraulic system that relies on a steady flow of brake fluid.

If any of the parts doesn't do its job right, the whole system can fail. But the most common cause of poor braking performance is your brake pads. They should be at least a quarter of an inch thick. The pads wear down over time and, if not changed, can lead to more expensive problems, like a damaged rotor.

Location Matters.

Crowded areas with heavy traffic are tougher on your brakes. That's because congested roads require a lot of stopping, starting, slowing and veering. The result is that your vehicle will need its brakes serviced more often than a car used mainly in, for example, a flat rural area.

Even if you don't drive in congested areas, it's always wise to have your brakes examined whenever you have your tires rotated—typically every six months. If you're a more aggressive driver, you may want to get them checked more often than that, like with every oil change. It’s also important that you pay attention to what your brakes might be trying to tell you between your regular servicing intervals.

Warning Signs.

When you see your brake light come on, it’s time to have your brakes inspected. You should have them looked at as soon as possible if you notice it’s taking longer to come to a complete stop. You may also feel a vibrating sensation when applying your brakes. That generally indicates a brake pad issue, though it could also point to an alignment problem.

Many brakes come with a built-in indicator that’s designed to squeal or screech when the pads are wearing thin. While the noise may be annoying, it can save you from costly problems down the road. If you change your pads when you're supposed to, your brakes won't squeal. The metal-on-metal sound means that your pads have worn down completely and your calipers are now grinding against your rotors whenever you press your brake pedal. It can quickly turn an inexpensive fix into an expensive one.

Be Smart. Be Vigilant. Be Safe.

At Harry's On The Hill, we're committed to providing our customers with top-quality service. That commitment goes beyond our showroom to include our service bays. We want to help you have peace of mind on the road, and for that you need to keep your car and its brakes in good condition. You can count on our well-trained technicians to take care of that for you.

If you think it’s time to get your brakes checked, contact us or stop by Harry's On The Hill at 819 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28806. We look forward to serving our customers from Hendersonville, Waynesville and Buncombe County.