Signs You Need Your Brakes Replaced

Car experts recommend replacing your brake fluid every two years or 30,000 miles and your brake pads every 20,000 to 60,000 miles.

Your mileage isn’t the only thing that determines when you get your brakes serviced. Other factors include:

• How often you use your brakes: Drivers who tend to regularly use their brakes will likely need service sooner than those who use their brakes sparingly.
• Your regular driving conditions: Are you constantly taking on inclined terrain or are you used to stop-and-go city errands? Both instances impact your brake performance.
• How your braking system distributes hydraulic pressure: Depending on your manufacturer, your brake system may distribute hydraulic pressure evenly or unevenly and therefore can affect your brakes’ effectiveness.

It’s a good rule of thumb to get your brakes checked every six months. That way, we can determine how much wear and tear your brakes are prone to while checking in on their current condition.

If you’re still unsure about when to change your brakes, most of this information is written in your owner’s manual. Give it a look and see your recommended maintenance timeline.

Your car often tells you something is wrong right away. Here are the definite signs that your car is experiencing brake damage:

• Your brakes make strange noises: When applying your brakes, squealing, clanking, or metal grinding occurs.
• Your car is vibrating: Your brake pedal vibrates as you push it down.
• Brake fluid leakage: You notice a puddle of oily, yellowy fluid underneath your vehicle. (This could be brake fluid and is considered an emergency. Do not attempt to drive the car and instead have it towed to our shop.)
• You smell rubber: You smell burning rubber when driving around in your vehicle.

The best thing to do in any of these situations is to bring your vehicle in for maintenance as soon as possible. If not, your vehicle could suffer more damage, while also creating a safety hazard to yourself and others.

You could also receive an even better deal with your brake replacement by checking out our current service specials. Log onto our website every few weeks and see which maintenance service is discounted for our drivers. Some specials that you may find include brake systems checks, as well as:

• Belt replacements
• Oil and filter change
• Windshield wipers
• Battery tests

Make sure to stay updated by checking our website. We want our drivers to get their money’s worth at every visit.