How Often Should My Brakes Be Checked?
Is It Time to Check Your Brakes?
When it comes to driving safely, your vehicle’s brakes are crucial. As you use your brakes daily to slow down and stop, it’s easy to forget their importance and take these parts for granted. However, neglecting brake maintenance can be extremely dangerous. Brakes wear out over time and should be checked every 20,000 to 60,000 miles. Without maintenance, your brakes can become ineffective and unable to protect you when you need it. Here at Joe Cooper Dodge of Shawnee, we want all our customers to drive safely, which is why we offer expert vehicle maintenance at our dealership here in Shawnee. To learn more about how brakes work, how they deteriorate over time and what you can do to prevent wear and stay safe, check out our guide to brakes below.
A Primer on Brakes.
Every vehicle has a complex braking system that needs regular service. The system includes brake lines, brake fluid, rotors, calipers, brake pads and more. Fluid runs through the brake lines to the calipers, so these lines must be intact, without any leaks. The rotors need to be worn down evenly, without cracks, and the brake fluid should be at the correct level according to the owner’s manual. When you bring your vehicle to our maintenance team, they will conduct an inspection to check every part of the braking system.
The brake pads are one of the most important — and most commonly replaced — parts of the system, as they get constant wear and tear. When you depress your brake pedal, the pads press against the rotor, which is attached to the wheel. The friction between the pad and the rotor causes the car to slow down, and this friction is also what causes the pads to wear thin over time. Brake pads need to be at least a quarter of an inch thick to be safe, so when they get past this point, it’s time to change them out. When our technicians do a brake inspection, they will pay close attention to the thickness of your vehicle’s brake pads.
Location Matters.
You use your brakes differently depending on the kind of traffic you’re driving in. When you drive in heavy traffic, you use your brakes frequently. As you speed up, slow down, start and stop, you engage your brake pads over and over, causing them to wear down more quickly. If you often drive at times when the roads are heavily congested, consider scheduling a brake check at every oil change. Let your technicians know that you drive in heavy traffic often and ask them to make sure your brakes are in good condition.
Warning Signs.
Your vehicle should let you know when the brakes need to be checked. If you see a brake warning light on your dashboard, take your vehicle in for service as soon as possible. You may also hear a high-pitched squealing coming from your brakes when it’s time to change them out. That sound means the pads have worn down completely and the calipers are grinding against the rotors, which is not an effective or safe way for the system to work. If you feel shaking or vibration in your steering wheel when you press the brake, your vehicle could have a brake pad problem or rotor issue, such as a warped or damaged rotor. Let your service technicians know what sounds or sensations you’ve noticed when you take your car in for maintenance.
Be Smart. Be Vigilant. Be Safe.
At Joe Cooper Dodge of Shawnee, it’s our mission to provide our customers with vehicles they can count on. Whether you’re buying a new or used vehicle from our dealership or bringing your current car in for service, we want you to drive home safe and satisfied. Our service department is here to answer any questions you have, whether they’re about brakes or any other service your vehicle needs. If it’s time for your brakes to be serviced, make an appointment and we’ll make sure your brakes are good to go.
If you think it’s time to get your brakes checked, schedule a service appointment today and bring your vehicle to Joe Cooper Dodge of Shawnee at 4940 N Automall Drive, Shawnee, OK 74804. We look forward to serving our customers from Tecumseh, Seminole and Choctaw.