When is it Time to Service Your Brakes?

Even with all the modern safety features being added to automobiles, the fact remains that nothing is more important than your cars ability to stop. Fortunately, brakes don’t simply stop working the moment they need to be replaced. There are warning signs that let you know when it’s time to get service rather than doing severe damage to your car or putting its passengers in danger.

Of course, the most obvious way to check your brakes is to look at them. Sometimes you can peek through the spokes, but other times you’ll need to pop the wheel off. Compare the width of your brake pads to the minimum suggested in your car’s manual. If they’re narrower or even close, it’s time to have them replaced. If you’re not totally sure of what you’re looking at, it’s always wise to seek a second opinion.

We are born with five senses, and cars are built to take advantage of that. In addition to seeing worn brakes, you can hear them as well. The pads are built with a layer that serves as an indicator, delivering a high pitched squeal that signals it’s time to get your car into the shop. Keep in mind that it’s important to be proactive. If that squeal turns into a crunch or grind, you may need to replace the pads and the rotors.

There are a few other warning signs. If your car pulls one way or the other while braking, your pads could be wearing unevenly. If you leave a puddle in the driveway that looks like oil, it could be a brake fluid leak. Even with these potential signs of weary brakes, it’s never a bad idea to have your car checked and serviced routinely. After all, the safety of those inside is so much more important than the automobile itself.