Is It Time to Check Your Brakes?

Brakes are crucial. Every driver knows this, but what every driver may not know is how often the brakes should be checked. Bad brakes can cause serious safety issues while driving, so read on for more information on how often your brakes should be checked by a mechanic.

A Primer on Brakes.

The most common brakes used today are disc brakes. When you hold down the brake pedal, a set of calipers, equipped with pads, squeezes a rotor (the disc). The pads create friction with the rotor to slow your vehicle. This hydraulic system relies on a constant flow of brake fluid.

If any of these components stop working properly, the entire system can fail. Brake pads, however, are the usual culprits of poor braking performance. Brake pads should be at least a quarter of an inch thick. These wear down over time and can lead to more expensive problems, such as a damaged rotor, if they are not changed.

Location Matters.

When it comes to traffic, congested areas are worse on your brakes than other areas. Heavy traffic requires a lot of stopping, starting, slowing and veering, which will take a toll on your brakes.This means your brakes will probably need servicing sooner than a vehicle used mainly in rural areas, for example.

With this in mind, checking your brakes whenever your tires are rotated is always a good idea -- typically every six months. If you’re an aggressive driver, then consider checking your brakes more frequently, such as with every oil change. In addition, keep an eye on what your brakes might be trying to tell you in between regular servicing intervals.

Warning Signs.

When your brake light comes on, it’s time to have your brakes checked. And if you notice that coming to a complete a stop takes longer amount of time, you should have them checked as soon as possible. If you notice a vibrating sensation when applying the brakes, this generally indicates a brake pad issue, but it could also signify an alignment problem.

Most brakes have a built-in indicator that causes a squeal or screech when the pads are wearing down. Even though the sound may be annoying, it can save a lot of money for you down the road because when you know when to replace the pads when needed, you won’t have to hear that metal-on-metal sound. This sound indicates that your pads have completely worn down and your calipers are now grinding against your rotors whenever your brake pedal is pressed, quickly turning an inexpensive fix into an expensive one.

Be Smart. Be Vigilant. Be Safe.

At Audi Greenville, we're committed to serving our customers beyond providing a great selection of vehicles -- we strive to deliver impeccable service as well. Our commitment reaches beyond our showroom to include our service bays. Wherever you drive, we want to ensure that you and your loved ones arrive safely. This means that your brakes should be in excellent shape. Your friends at Audi Greenville are more than happy to take care of that for you.