How Often Should My Brakes Be Checked? | Hopkinsville KY | Near Fort Campbell, Madisonville, Russellville & Western Kentucky
Is It Time to Check Your Brakes?
The brakes are your car's first line of defense when navigating the road ahead. When you decide not to give them maintenance, you’re doing your vehicle a disservice. Brakes do wear out and you’re recommended to get them checked every 20,000-60,000 miles. This is to make sure that they are intact and are ready to keep you safe while driving. When your brakes wear too thin, they can be a danger to you and any passengers you have in the car. If you’re still not sure about getting your car serviced or you just want more information, keep reading below to know just what you should be doing about your brakes.
A Primer on Brakes.
Every car, truck and SUV has a braking system that requires regular maintenance to maintain safe driving conditions. Components of this intricate system include brake lines, brake fluid, rotors and calipers, each with its own assigned function. Running the brake fluid to the calipers, the brake lines should be impermeable, without leaks or corrosion. Rotors should be free of cracks or uneven wear, and brake fluid should be at its appropriate level as outlined by the owner’s manual. Our technicians will check every function of the braking system during a multipoint inspection.
One of the main and most common parts to replace in the braking system are the brake pads. Brake pads are supposed to be at least a quarter of an inch thick, and since they are constantly used during the process, you'll want our technicians to pay close attention to their condition. If they aren’t changed when they are under the recommended thickness, it could be dangerous for your safety and the safety of those around you.
Location Matters.
When driving your new or used vehicle around town, make sure you know where your brakes are used the most. Heavy traffic and highways are a big reason why your brake pads may be thinning quickly. The traffic causes you to stop and engage your brake pads more than you would like. And while these congested areas continually require more stopping, starting, slowing and veering, your brakes are working overtime to keep up, which will wear them down at an even faster pace.
To prevent excessive wear, consider scheduling a brake check every 10,000 miles or asking your technician to inspect the brakes at each oil change. Overall, if you’re usually in traffic ― whether from work or otherwise ― you should be a little more attentive about getting your brakes checked.
Warning Signs.
The great thing about your vehicle is that it will alert you if your brakes need to be checked. A light will flash on your dashboard and after you’ve seen that, immediately take it in for servicing. A high-pitched sound is also another indicator that you need to get your brakes checked. That metal-on-metal sound means your pads have worn down completely and your calipers are now grinding against your rotors whenever you hit the brake pedal. This sound is a safety feature built into your vehicle to help you know when you should get your brakes serviced.
Feeling a vibration whenever you’re hitting the brakes? This is most likely due to a brake pad issue. If your steering wheel is vibrating when you hit the brakes, it could mean that your rotors are warped or have become damaged.
Be Smart. Be Vigilant. Be Safe.
Toyota of Hopkinsville’s number one priority is giving our customers safe and reliable vehicles for their everyday life. Our incredible service department can attend to your every need and will also answer any questions you have. If you need those brakes checked, schedule an appointment with us and we’d be happy to make you feel more secure in your vehicle.
If you think it’s time to get your brakes checked, schedule a service appointment today and bring your vehicle to Toyota of Hopkinsville at 4395 Fort Campbell Blvd., Hopkinsville, KY 42240. We look forward to serving our customers from Fort Campbell, Madisonville, Russellville and Western Kentucky.
