Put Brake Repair On Your Regular Car Maintenance Schedule
Brake repair isn't cause for panic. Your car is not on the verge of falling apart, by any means. Brake repair means only that your brakes have been performing the function that they were designed for. If you think about it, does an engine tune up mean that your engine is falling apart? Of course not!
When brakes wear down, they will send out one of a number of different signals that brake repair is needed. Check your brake light. Does it go on when your parking brake is disengaged? Then it's time to have your brake fluid replenished; it may be too low. Have you noticed a pool of light amber liquid gathering underneath your car, or a distinctively pungent odor? Get your car in to a brake repair shop as soon as possible. You may have a leak in your brake fluid line.
And, speaking of brake fluid, experts recommend that you have yours inspected on a regular basis to ward off an accumulation of metal flakes and moisture. Contaminated brake fluid can create problems with calipers and wheel cylinders.
Take your car to your brake repair shop if your brake pedal or wheel begins to vibrate. Vibrations point to rotor surface problems. Do your brakes squeal after you release your brake pedal? Your brake wear indicators could be rubbing against one of your rotors. The grinding and growling of metal on metal most likely indicates completely worn brake pads.
Experts also recommend annual brake inspections, twice annually if you use your vehicle for heavy hauling or towing. You should also rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to keep tire surfaces even. While your rotors stop your wheels, it's the friction between tire and road that actually stops the entire car. Even tire surfaces reduce any uneven wear and tear on your brakes.