The most important safety feature on your vehicle is your braking system. No matter how fast we want to go, we have to be able to stop reliably when we push on that brake pedal. In general, you should be getting your brakes checked about every 12,000 miles, or about every 6 months. This is typically when you will want to get your tires rotated, too, so it’s an easy addition to tack on to that maintenance task. On average, consider replacing the brake fluid about every 30,000 miles or about every four to five years.

These timeframes and mileage numbers vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model, but a good mechanic shop like Transmission City & Automotive Specialists can provide you with this information along with recommendations for your specific vehicle. Just as an example to show these variations, Chevrolet recommends brake fluid changes every 45,000 miles, while Honda recommends every 3 years regardless of mileage. And Mercedes-Benz recommends new brake fluid every 20,000 miles or every 2 years. As you can see, it’s really up to the vehicle owner to schedule the necessary maintenance to keep their brake system running smoothly. Relieve the pressure by visiting a trusted mechanic shop regularly, and rest easy knowing your vehicle is being taken care of properly.

Warning Signs

One sign that your brakes need attention is if you experience reduced responsiveness when you apply the brake. If you find that you have to push down harder than before on the pedal to achieve the same slowing and stopping response, bring your vehicle in right away. Another sign that your brakes are faulty is if your vehicle is pulling to one side when you apply the brake. This may be subtle at first and you’ll have to pay close attention, but it will get worse over time, causing a hazardous driving situation.

Can you feel a vibration or pulsing on your steering wheel when you apply the brake, especially when you’re braking at a high speed? This is typically a sign that the rotors have been damaged or warped. If you drive in brake-heavy conditions, such as daily rush hour, stop-and-go traffic or steep, winding hills heading into the mountains, you’ll want your brakes examined more frequently than the average driver.

We recommend you listen to your car. Loud sounds should only come from your music, not from the working parts of your vehicle. If you hear any kind of grinding or reverberating sound as you apply the brakes, it can indicate that your brake pads are getting worn down. It doesn’t take long for this problem to get out of hand, damaging the rotors by the metal grinding against other components in the car.

Not addressing brake issues is a serious safety concern for you and others on the road. There’s no reason to put off this kind of maintenance when you have a reputable and experienced auto body shop in your backyard. For honest car care, visit Transmission City & Automotive Specialists today.