Your braking system must be properly maintained in order to positively affect the safety, handling, and performance of your car. Every driver wants to achieve a peace of mind knowing that the brakes on their vehicle aren’t going to fail when they need them the most. In order to ensure your brakes are in good working condition, you need to get them inspected regularly.
Here’s what you should know before getting your brakes inspected or serviced:
What does brake service include?
A brake service will involve a thorough and comprehensive inspection on all the moving parts that work together to bring your vehicle to a standstill. The typical brake service checks:
- Rotors
- Calipers
- Pads
- Wheel cylinders
- Brake Drums
- Fluid condition
- Parking brake cables
- Hoses
- Hardware
- Master cylinder fluid condition
- Wheel bearings and grease seals
Once the inspection has been completed, technicians will have a better idea of what needs to be changed and what issues are preventing your brakes from functioning properly.
How much does it cost to get a brake job?
Several factors come into play when you’re calculating the cost of a brake job. The cost is generally dependent on:
- The kind of vehicle you’re driving
- The amount of wear and tear caused (pads alone is significantly cheaper than getting rotors)
- The type of brake pads the vehicle is equipped with
- The way you drive and load the vehicle
There’s not a simple answer due to all the variables, but the standard costs of a brake job could be anywhere between $160.00 to $800.00+ depending on the scope of work.
When do you need a brake service?
You’ll know your car needs brake service if you experience the following:
- The brake light on the dashboard keeps flashing
- It takes longer for the brakes to respond
- You get a grinding feeling when you brake
- The vehicle pulls to one side when you apply the brakes
It’s important to trust your gut, especially when you feel there is something wrong with the brake system. Take immediate action if you are experiencing any of these irregularities.
When should I service my brakes?
Keeping the brake system of your vehicle well-maintained is crucial. Generally, brake pads last about 4 years or 50,000 miles but can require replacement sooner or later depending upon the way you drive and mileage.
What are brake pads used for?
Brake pads are made of a metallic material used to contact the rotors that apply friction whenever your foot is pressed on the brake pedal. This brings your vehicle to a standstill.
What are brake rotors?
Brake rotors are a major part of the brake system of the car. All newer cars have front disc brakes. They are in the shape of a round metal disc that spin with your wheels as your driving. The rotors slowly stop spinning as you apply the brakes on your vehicle, which is what makes your car stop.
