Winter weather is harsh on our vehicles - Spring Brake Inspection is essential!
A vehicle’s braking system is vital to safe driving year round. One essential part of a Spring check up for your vehicle, as you get ready for some Springtime Sunday drives and
those summer road trips is a brake inspection.
As you preparefor those road trips this spring, you must take a close look at your brakes. Winter weather and road conditions can damage brake systems.
While the durability of brake parts can vary based upon your vehicle make and the manufacturer of the equipment, the life of brake pads and rotors usually ranges from 20,000 and 60,000 miles, but with regional driving conditions/enviroment regular brake inspections are a wise habit to get into or when you have your tires changed.
Brake warning signs
The most obvious warning of a problem is a warning/brake light on your dashboard. Although it may be easy to ignore warning lights, you don’t want to overlook brake warning systems. Some brake-related issues that warning/brake lights could signal are critical issues with brake pads or fluid pressure. The ABS light indicates that there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system. When a warning light comes up, make an immediate appointment,to have your vehicle inspected.
Some other issues can arise in how your vehicle is performing when you use the brakes:
We think of brake fluid as the blood of the braking system. The fluid creates pressure in the system that allows your brakes to operate properly and must be properly maintained. If the brake fluid level is low, it can create air gaps in the braking system that will make your brake pedal feel soft and the brakes will not work properly. Over time, your brake fluid can retain moisture in the system, also causing a drop in effectiveness. When this happens the system will need to be flushed and the fluid replaced for it to be effective again. Occasionally, it is necessary to bleed your brake lines. This gets any trapped air out of the system and allows it to function effectively.
Brake pads and rotors
Brake parts are constructed of various materials–ceramic, steel, and copper. Brake pads make contact with the rotors and allow the friction created to bring your vehicle to a stop. Brake rotors are the metallic discs connected to your wheels. It is the smooth interaction between rotors and pads that allow your braking system to safely and efficiently stop your vehicle.
Brake pads and rotors wear down during normal use from friction and heat. A brake inspection will let you know how much life is left in the brake pads and other parts such as brake discs. Your vehicle also has brake calipers that house the brake pads and allow them to operate properly. There may be thime the calipers wear out or become damaged and will need to be replaced.
Brake wear problems
Normal wear and tear occurs for all braking systems. Yet, some driving habits can either extend or diminish life of the brake parts.
For example, speeding up to and braking hard at stop signs or traffic lights reduces brake pad life. You can save wear and tear on your brake pads and rotors by decelerating gradually and using the brakes less intensely.
Do you ‘ride’ your brakes or drive ‘two-footed’ using one foot on the brake and the other to accelerate? Even light pressure on the brakes can cause extra wear on the brake system.
Overloading your car with weight also places wear on your brake system. It will take more braking power to slow down and put undue stress on the pads and rotors.
Regular maintenance will save you money and wear in the long run. By keeping your system in good shape and addressing any problems right away, it will ensure longer life to your brakes, pads, and rotors, and safer roads ahead.
TIPS:
those summer road trips is a brake inspection.
As you preparefor those road trips this spring, you must take a close look at your brakes. Winter weather and road conditions can damage brake systems.
While the durability of brake parts can vary based upon your vehicle make and the manufacturer of the equipment, the life of brake pads and rotors usually ranges from 20,000 and 60,000 miles, but with regional driving conditions/enviroment regular brake inspections are a wise habit to get into or when you have your tires changed.
Brake warning signs
The most obvious warning of a problem is a warning/brake light on your dashboard. Although it may be easy to ignore warning lights, you don’t want to overlook brake warning systems. Some brake-related issues that warning/brake lights could signal are critical issues with brake pads or fluid pressure. The ABS light indicates that there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system. When a warning light comes up, make an immediate appointment,to have your vehicle inspected.
Some other issues can arise in how your vehicle is performing when you use the brakes:
- Are you noticing you have less braking power?
- When you apply the brakes, does the pedal drop to the floor before engaging? Or feel spongy?
- Are there vibrations when you apply the brakes?
- Do you feel shimmying or hear strange squealing noises in the car or brake system?
- Is it difficult to press the pedal down? Like it’s locked in place?
- What about the way the vehicle handles? Does the car pull to the side when you apply the brakes?
- Do you notice a hot or burning smell coming from the vehicle when you apply the brakes?
We think of brake fluid as the blood of the braking system. The fluid creates pressure in the system that allows your brakes to operate properly and must be properly maintained. If the brake fluid level is low, it can create air gaps in the braking system that will make your brake pedal feel soft and the brakes will not work properly. Over time, your brake fluid can retain moisture in the system, also causing a drop in effectiveness. When this happens the system will need to be flushed and the fluid replaced for it to be effective again. Occasionally, it is necessary to bleed your brake lines. This gets any trapped air out of the system and allows it to function effectively.
Brake pads and rotors
Brake parts are constructed of various materials–ceramic, steel, and copper. Brake pads make contact with the rotors and allow the friction created to bring your vehicle to a stop. Brake rotors are the metallic discs connected to your wheels. It is the smooth interaction between rotors and pads that allow your braking system to safely and efficiently stop your vehicle.
Brake pads and rotors wear down during normal use from friction and heat. A brake inspection will let you know how much life is left in the brake pads and other parts such as brake discs. Your vehicle also has brake calipers that house the brake pads and allow them to operate properly. There may be thime the calipers wear out or become damaged and will need to be replaced.
Brake wear problems
Normal wear and tear occurs for all braking systems. Yet, some driving habits can either extend or diminish life of the brake parts.
For example, speeding up to and braking hard at stop signs or traffic lights reduces brake pad life. You can save wear and tear on your brake pads and rotors by decelerating gradually and using the brakes less intensely.
Do you ‘ride’ your brakes or drive ‘two-footed’ using one foot on the brake and the other to accelerate? Even light pressure on the brakes can cause extra wear on the brake system.
Overloading your car with weight also places wear on your brake system. It will take more braking power to slow down and put undue stress on the pads and rotors.
Regular maintenance will save you money and wear in the long run. By keeping your system in good shape and addressing any problems right away, it will ensure longer life to your brakes, pads, and rotors, and safer roads ahead.
TIPS:
- Don’t ignore squealing, squeaking, grinding, or other noises coming from your brake system. Also be attentive to strange smells such as burning.
- Have your brakes inspected/serviced regularly. A good habit is to have them checked whenever you have your oil changed or swap out your seasonal tires.
- Your driving habits can affect the wear and tear on your brakes. Try to avoind slamming on the brakes when stopping. Also don’t overload your vehicle or ride your brakes.
