Why Brake Service Is Important
If a semi cuts you off or a kid darts into the road, getting from sixty to zero — and fast — matters. This is why it’s important to follow the suggested service intervals in your owner’s manual but also look for other signs that let you know it’s time for brake service or brake repair. If it’s taking longer to stop, if you really have to lean into your brakes, or if you’re noticing odd squealing or grinding noises, we encourage you to stop by sooner rather than later. Every vehicle is subject to the same laws of physics. Anything made up of hundreds of moving parts is bound to experience some wear. How well it wears is up to you. Adhering to service intervals and not waiting when you suspect something wrong makes the difference between a vehicle that lasts and one that doesn’t.
Common Brake Services
One of the most common services that brakes require is fluid replenishment. More often than not, brake fluid should be changed every one to two years. The fluid level should be checked more regularly to ensure adequate supply; if it’s low, it may indicate a leak somewhere in the system. An equally important brake service is brake pad replacement, which is advised to be performed every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Brake pad wear is inevitable, and it’s crucial not to let the pad fall below one-eighth of an inch. If it does, your brake rotors will soon become compromised. Taken together, these services ensure the highest levels of safety and efficiency your vehicle can provide to prevent the need for brake repair.
Common Brake Repairs
Brake systems are complex by nature, but our technicians are well-versed in all manners of brake service. Brake maintenance won’t break the bank, but neglect can cost you in more ways than one. We talked about brake fluid replenishment as a necessary service, and a related repair is line replacement—the line is what the fluid runs through. If a hole occurs somewhere in the line, contamination can result; braking will become significantly hard to accomplish if this is the cause. Another line-related brake repair is “bleeding,” which is the act of draining the fluid completely to relieve air bubbles in the line or remove dirt particles that have permeated the system. Worn calipers and compromised master cylinders are additional elements that may need occasional repair.