Every part and system is crucial to the overall operation of your car, so it’s important to keep up with regular scheduled maintenance and inspections. Your brakes, for example, consist of a number of components that should be examined periodically to check for wear and the potential need for replacement. If you’re wondering how often you should have your brakes inspected, here’s what you need to know.
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Since, there is no outright schedule for getting your brakes replaced, it’s important to listen for unusual noises and have your brakes examined regularly by an automotive professional. A good time to have a mechanic take a look at your brakes is when you have your tires rotated, which is typically recommended every six months. Then, you can find out about the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of other brake parts.
A few warning signs of declining brake operation are squeaks, squeals, grinding, and other unusual noises when you press on the brakes. Other things you may notice are pulsations through the brake pedal or longer stopping distances. Most cars also have a brake dashboard warning light, which may turn on if your brake system is low on fluid.
The lifespan of your car’s brakes depends a lot on how often you drive but also in which conditions you drive. For instance, if you spend most of your time driving rural areas with little traffic, your brakes will likely last longer than those driving in urban areas with plenty of stop-and-go traffic. Thus, it’s difficult to pinpoint a general brake replacement interval.
If you would like to learn more about getting your brakes checked or serviced, you can get in touch with our team at Toyota Vacaville. You may also take a look at our current service specials and schedule your next service visit online.