Every vehicle needs to have its brakes in proper working order. Not only might it save your life, it sure is less expensive than paying for repairs after an accident. Get brake inspections done by your mechanic at recommended intervals to prevent problems. The intervals vary and are dependent on how/where you drive and how many miles are put on between brake jobs.
In the meantime, there are things you can do to keep tabs on the condition of your brakes.
Here are some things that might indicate a problem; the brake warning light is on, there are clanking sounds when you brake, there are vibrations, grinding or squealing sounds when you brake, the brake pedal feels “soft” or just plain low. Another symptom might be the difficulty in pressing down the brake.
If you notice any of those things, it’s time to take your car in to your mechanic. Don’t let it go thinking you will save money or that you are too busy to get it checked out. You will damage the rotors if you allow the brake pads to actually wear away. Having rotors replaced or resurfaced is even more expensive. Letting things get to this point is downright dangerous.
Also, make sure brake fluid is changed when required. See your manufacturer’s recommendations as to how often this should be done. If you are lacking brake fluid, then there is not enough pressure for the car to brake properly. In addition to that, moisture can build up in brake fluid over time and leads to harmful corrosion. It is also necessary to inspect brake hoses at every wheel.
When you take your car in, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The better grades of brake pads cost more than the lower ones. Once again, if doing the brake pads yourself, check the manufacturer’s suggestion as to the grade of brake pad needed.
Keep in mind that if you have a front-wheel drive, the front brakes normally wear out first. When your car is serviced, find out if they are doing just the front brakes or the back too. Will be smart to keep this in your records.
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