Feb 22, 2023
Taking care of your brakes helps to keep your car running safely and smoothly. Brakes are extremely important when it comes to keeping you and everyone else on the road safe. If you don’t maintain your brakes, you could end up in an accident or need to pay a lot of money to fix them later. That’s why it’s necessary to make brake maintenance a part of your regular vehicle upkeep.
There are several signs that indicate the need for brake maintenance. These include:
- Squeaking or grinding noises when you use your brakes
- Reduced brake responsiveness or increased time until your vehicle comes to a complete stop
- A pulsation or vibration felt in the brake pedal while stopping
- A warning light on the dashboard indicating a brake system issue
If you see a warning light on your dashboard that’s related to your brakes, don’t ignore it! Delaying brake maintenance can lead to more serious problems, and potentially dangerous situations, on the road. All of these issues could mean that your brakes need some extra attention from a qualified mechanic ASAP!
“Cleanliness is key for a proper brake job!“
Justin Hoffman, Technician Trainer, Kunes Auto and RV Group
When a mechanic checks your brakes, they’ll usually inspect the rotor and hub to see if there’s any wear or damage. They’ll also clean them to get rid of any dirt, debris, or brake dust that might have built up. If the rotor or hub is dirty or corroded, the mechanic may need to use a special solution or replace parts for proper brake function.
Our Technician Trainer, Justin Hoffman, says, “Any debris or rust between the hub and rotor CANNOT exceed ⅓ a human hair’s thickness before causing runout to be outside of tolerance. Cleanliness is key for a proper brake job!”
Keeping the hub and rotor clean helps prevent damage to your brakes and makes sure they’re working the way they should be. How often you need to have your brakes checked depends on the type of car you have, how and where you drive it, and your own driving habits.
Generally, professionals recommend having your brakes checked at least once a year. But if you drive in traffic a lot, on steep hills, or in bad weather, you should consider getting them checked more often. Last, but not least, don’t forget to have your brake fluid replaced every couple of years too.
To sum it up, taking care of your brakes is crucial for making sure your car is safe and reliable. Get your brakes checked at least once a year and NEVER ignore any signs that something might be wrong. Be proactive to help keep yourself and everyone else on the road safe!
