Wear & tear on your brakes is unavoidable but the key is to stay consistent with your preventative maintenance to avoid costly repairs. Normal wear & tear involves thinning of the brake pads and rotors/drums ad contamination of brake fluid.
Several factors that affect wear include:
· Driving habits
Find out what's happening in Bolingbrookwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
· Operating conditions
· Vehicle Type
Find out what's happening in Bolingbrookwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
· The quality of brake lining material.
Your vehicle will show some signs if you are in need of brake service. Ask yourself these questions:
· Do you hear squeaking, squealing or hear a grinding noise when applying the brake?
· Does your brake pedal feel soft of spongy?
· Is there a vibration feeling when applying the brake?
· Do you find yourself frequently replenishing the brake fluid?
· Can you smell a strong odor after a short drive?
Each component within the brake system will need service at some time. It is likely the brake pads will need replacing when they become too thin. If pads are not replaced and wear away too much, they can damage the rotors or drums. Damaged rotors or drums can warp or crack and cause complete brake failure. Keeping up with brake pad maintenance can help keep you safe and prevent more costly repairs.
Brake fluid maintenance is also important. Over time, brake fluid becomes less effective as water and contamination builds up. This can lead to corrosion, break damage and brake failure. Your system could also have a leak and without enough brake fluid, your vehicle will not brake properly. Annual inspections of your entire brake system can detect leaks and damage and help keep you Road Ready.
If you notice poor braking performance you should bring your vehicle in for a brake system inspection. Also, if you have teen drivers or elderly family members driving their own vehicle, consider mentioning the symptoms to them as well as encourage them to take their vehicle in for a brake system inspection so they too can be safe and Road Ready.
Mr. Transmission Bolingbrook is a co-branded Milex Complete Auto full service facility located at 104 Brook Court in Bolingbrook just off of Rt. 53, across from Menards. For more information or to schedule a maintenance check, stop by or call 630-378-5801.
# # #
