Maintain Your Brakes
Maintaining your brakes is one of the most important preventative maintenance items for keeping yourself and others safe on the road. The components of your brake system don’t last forever. But following your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule while using quality parts and good braking habits will help extend their life and minimize brake repair. When it’s time for a brake inspection or repair services, visit a reputable brake shop with certified brake technicians.
The team at Taylor Automotive has compiled five tips to help you reduce the need for brake repair services.
- Driving Habits
- Check Brake Pads and Rotors
- Brake Fluid Flush
- Bleed the Brake Lines
- Replace Old Brake Parts
Speeding up and slamming on the brakes will wear out your brake components faster than anything. Bringing your car to a smooth and gradual stop will help extend the life of your brake system. Refrain from “riding the brakes,” too. If traveling downhill, put your car in lower gear to help slow you down. Carrying excess weight is also hard on brakes. You should only carry what’s necessary and follow your owner’s manual for weight and towing capacity guidelines. These pointers will help avoid brake repair and save you money at the gas pump!
Brake pads and rotors deteriorate faster than other parts and therefore require maintenance. During routine maintenance, ensure the technician checks the depth of the pads. If you experience increased stopping distances or need to depress the brake pedal further, it’s time for a brake repair.
Brake fluid is the messenger between you and your car’s braking system. This fluid attracts moisture which can cause corrosion of the metal components and reduce the fluid’s boiling point, making your brakes less effective. Brake fluid checks are typically done every 25,000 miles; if the fluid looks cloudy or milky, a fluid change is in order.
Bleeding the brake lines removes excess air. When air is trapped inside the brake line, it reduces efficiency. This should be done every two to three years during brake service.
Replacing parts like brake pads, brake calipers, and ABS sensors will be necessary over time. This may be a good time to upgrade to higher-performance parts, depending on your driving style. Brake repair services like replacement and upgrades will improve the longevity of your brakes.
Save Time and Dollars
Save time and money by practicing good driving habits and maintaining a routine maintenance schedule. This helps minimize the need for larger, more costly brake repair services. If you experience a grinding or squealing sound when hitting the brakes or your brakes feel spongy, it’s time to visit Taylor Automotive for a brake inspection. We are the go-to brake repair shop in Sanford, North Carolina, servicing all makes and models. We’re here to ensure your brakes are in proper working order to keep you safe on the road!