Having a braking system that works well isn’t just important for keeping you and your vehicle safe. It also plays a big part in ensuring that you don’t present a risk to other motorists on the road around you. Brakes wear down over time, but you can counteract the problems this can cause by sticking to a regular schedule of brake maintenance.
Why Do Brakes Need Regular Maintenance?
Your brake system requires regular maintenance because its parts wear down over time. Brake pads need replacing before they wear out so that they can continue to produce the friction needed to bring your wheels to a stop. Brake fluid must be regularly replaced because it can get contaminated over time, which prevents it from building up the pressure needed to apply your brakes. Brake lines and cables may also need replacing from time to time if they get damaged.
If you don’t maintain your braking system, it won’t be able to respond in a timely manner when you need it most, such as to prevent a collision with another car or a pedestrian.
Failing to maintain your brake system isn’t just dangerous for yourself and other drivers on the road. It can also lead to more damage and expensive repairs on your vehicle. For example, if you fail to get your brake pads replaced before they wear out, the metal behind your pads will rub against your brake discs or drums. This can cause irreparable damage that will result in you having to pay for new brake discs or drums on top of new brake pads.
How Can You Tell When Your Brakes Need Maintaining?
Luckily, there are several signs you can look out for to tell if your brake system is in need of maintenance. The first is a high-pitched squealing noise when you apply the brakes. This is caused by a thin metal strip located within the brake pad known as an indicator, which lets you know that your pads are wearing thin.
A second sign is if you hear a loud growling or groaning noise. This tells you that immediate action is required, because it’s a sign that your brake pad has worn through entirely and that the metal caliper is scraping directly against your brake disc. Another thing to look out for is if your vehicle pulls to one side whenever you brake. This could suggest that you have uneven wear on your brake pads or another problem.
You should also pay attention to how your brake pedal feels when you apply pressure to it. If you have to press down much harder than you did in the past to make your brakes work, this may be a sign that your brake fluid is contaminated or that there’s a leak in your braking system.
The best way to decide if your brakes require maintenance is to establish a regular maintenance schedule. This should not just include your brakes, but also other basic maintenance steps like oil changes, tire rotations, and battery checkups. The advantage of doing this is that the mechanic performing your maintenance can quickly check over the various parts of your car each time you bring it in for maintenance, enabling them to identify any problems before they get serious.
To determine how regularly you should have your car maintained, check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you don’t have access to the owner’s manual, a good rule to follow is that you should have your brakes maintained every 12,000 miles of driving. For an average driver, this equates to about once a year. If you use your vehicle for commercial purposes, you may need to follow a more frequent schedule.
Why Should You Go to a Dealership for Brake Maintenance?
Dealerships are typically equipped with the best technology and auto parts to carry out repairs to a high standard. They also have expert auto mechanics who can swiftly diagnose problems and carry out prompt repairs or maintenance.
Since your braking system is quite complex, it’s best to rely on a professional to ensure it’s in good working order. Brake maintenance doesn’t just mean checking and replacing the pads. It also requires a thorough inspection of the calipers, brake discs, fluid, and lines. When it comes to repairs, the person carrying them out needs to be able to dispose of fluid appropriately and replace it with the correct fluid, repair or replace brake cables, and replace pads and discs. Serious brake problems may also entail larger repair jobs incorporating other auto components.
Why Should You Get Your Brakes Maintained at Huffines Hyundai Plano?
Here at Huffines Hyundai Plano, we have the trained technicians and quality auto parts to provide you with top quality brake maintenance. Our auto mechanics are highly experienced with Hyundai vehicles, including all of the regular maintenance tasks you require, such as oil changes, tire rotations, battery tests, and engine repairs. This means that if your vehicle requires various checkups and repairs, they can all be taken care of in one go.
Our parts department stocks Hyundai-approved parts, meaning that you can be sure the brake pads and other components we put into your vehicle will work to a high standard.
The opening hours for our service and parts departments are flexible so you can fit your appointment into your busy schedule. Our trained technicians are here for you from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Take advantage of our online appointment booking system to schedule your service slot today.
While your vehicle is being maintained at our service center, you can ask our expert team of auto technicians any questions you may have about your vehicle and its components. Whether you want to know more about tire care, your engine and transmission system, or interior components such as your air conditioning, we have the expertise to help you out. Contact us today to learn more.
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