Your brakes may just seem like a pedal on the floor of your car when you’re driving, but they are so much more than that. Your brake system is intricate and needs preventative maintenance to ensure the safety of you and your vehicle.
How Brakes Work
When you hit the brakes, a lever pushes a piston into the master cylinder. The cylinder is filled with fluid that multiplies the force of your foot (as you can imagine, you need more than the strength of your foot alone to stop your car). This force is transmitted to the brakes which sends it to the tires to stop your vehicle.
As you can see, there’s a lot going on in the brake system. So it makes sense that this complex mechanism needs routine care and maintenance to stay in tip top shape.
How to Maintain Your Brakes
Brake Service
Your brakes should be serviced every 20,000 miles. This includes a thorough inspection — your brakes are measured for wear, the brake fluid is tested, the emergency brake is checked, and any problems can be discovered. This is extra important if you are experiencing any symptoms of brake damage, such as:
- The brakes grind or squeak
- The wheel wobbles or the car drifts as you brake
- You have to press harder than usual to stop
Regular brake service can help you avoid these issues, so even if you aren’t having them, you should still have your brakes serviced every 20,000 miles.
Brake Replacement
If you’re not having issues with your brakes, that means they are fine, right? Wrong! Your brakes need to be replaced every 50,000 miles, no matter what. Brakes wear and tear over time and they are your first line of defense when driving. Healthy brakes can help you avoid disaster, so it only makes sense to swap them out after lots of use.
Work With Technicians You Can Trust
Don’t cut corners with your brakes. A cheap auto shop may save you a couple of bucks, but that’s not going to matter if the work is shoddy and your brakes give out on you — especially in a moment when your brakes matter most.
When looking for an auto shop you can trust, find a place with ASE-certified technicians. A shop that offers a warranty is also a good sign, and places with free second opinions are probably not out to nickel and dime you, either.
At Pearson Auto, we have all of the above — ASE-certified technicians, a 5-year/50,000 mile warranty, and free second opinions. Contact us today to set up an appointment to have your brakes checked and keep your car safe!