Keep to Experts’ Recommendations for Brake Repair to Keep Your Brakes Performing at Their Best
Brake repair is an essential part of regular car maintenance, so don’t ignore the signals your car sends you. Take your car in for brake repair as soon as possible to prevent bigger problems from developing. Those squeaks and squeals that your brakes make when they’ve worn down are meant to let you know that your brakes have been doing their job and need brake repair to keep doing that job well.
Have you noticed a rather pungent odor emanating from your car, or a pool of light amber colored liquid collecting underneath? Time for brake repair; your brake fluid line is leaking. The same holds true if your brake light goes on when your parking brake is disengaged. Have your brake fluid level checked right away; it might be too low. One last thing on the topic of brake fluid: be sure to have it inspected periodically. Metal flakes and moisture can contaminate brake fluid and damage your calipers and wheel cylinders.
Brake repair is also warranted if your wheel or brake pedal vibrates; rotor surface issues could be developing. Brakes that squeal as the brake pedal is released are telling you that your brake wear indicators are scraping against your rotors. Grinding or growling brakes mean that your brake pads are completely worn away. The occurrence of any of these events means that brake repair most likely is necessary.
Experts recommend that you have your brakes inspected at least once a year, twice a year if you use your car or truck for heavy hauling and towing. They also strongly recommend tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to ensure even wear on the rubber. In truth, it’s the friction between tire rubber and road surface that actually stops your car.
Think of brake repair as you would an oil change or an engine tuneup. You are assured of safe driving if you keep to experts’ brake inspection and tire rotation guildelines.