Brake Service
WHY BRAKE MAINTENANCE IS SO IMPORTANT
You 100 percent need your brakes to perform properly every time you drive. And for your safety and the others on the road.
Heavy use
If you have a heavy foot on the brake—meaning that you’re pressing down quickly and hard—you’re decreasing fuel efficiency while overusing the brakes. This leads to pads and rotors wearing out quickly if you use repeated heavy braking. The heat needs time to dissipate, so use lighter, even pressure when braking.
First signs
Like many automotive maintenance tips, simply responding at the first sign of a problem is the best course. If your brakes are making a high-pitched, squealing sound whenever you stop, don’t ignore it. Bring your car in and see what’s causing the problem. It could be anything from a buildup of grime to worn-out brake pads to contaminated brake fluid.
Maintenance
Taking the car in regularly for brake service on a set schedule is another good practice to nip problems in the bud. Check the owner’s manual to find out how often your vehicle’s brakes should be serviced. If you’re not certain, a good rule of thumb is about every 12,000 miles. Brake pads, for example, tend to wear out at about 25,000 miles on most vehicles. Similarly, brake fluid needs to be replaced at around the same interval. Rotors can last longer, especially if you avoid hard braking and overuse.
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Load consideration
For those in businesses that frequently use their vehicle, these general rules may not apply. If you are frequently carrying heavy loads in your vehicle or using it all day long—say, for ride-shares or deliveries—you’ll want to have the brake system checked out more frequently. The last thing you want is your vehicle on the side of the road due to faulty brakes while you’re on the job.