Typically, driving around town and during rush hour traffic means drivers use their brakes more often. With each depression of the pedal, you wear your brake pads out just a bit more. Routinely servicing your brakes can reduce repair costs and keep you safe. When you need the best auto brake service nearby, stop by Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
Required Brake Maintenance
Generally, performing routine servicing will keep your brakes functioning properly. If you look in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you’ll find a schedule of brake maintenance tasks. Primarily, a mechanic should routinely change your brake pads, replace your fluid, and inspect other components for wear.
Typically, you should replace your brake pads every 30,000 – 70,000 miles. This wide range is due to the type of pads on your car and the kind of driving you do. Manufacturers offer metal, organic, or ceramic brake pads with different prices and durability. Furthermore, some drivers do mostly highway driving with little braking.
During pad replacement, your mechanic should also check your rotors and calipers for wear. Driving over dusty roads and exposure to moisture can lead to corrosion and rusting of these parts.
Moreover, you should change your brake fluid every 2-3 years. Even though your fluid is part of a closed system, seals can deteriorate allowing dirt and contaminants to enter. As it becomes dirty, brake fluid loses its effectiveness.
Failing seals can also allow moisture from the air to mix with the brake fluid. Water is especially damaging as it lowers the boiling point of the fluid. Now, the fluid will heat much more quickly turning the water into steam. Once the steam cools, you have air bubbles in your line giving your brake pedal a squishy feeling.
Extending The Life Of Your Brakes
Of course, routine maintenance is one of the most important tasks you can do to avoid an auto brake repair. Additionally, a few changes in your driving habits can also help preserve braking components:
- Avoid exceeding the speed limit. Greater speeds require more brake material to stop.
- Try coasting. Take your foot off the gas pedal to allow the car to slow naturally before applying the brakes
- Downshift when mountain driving. Shift to a lower gear before heading downhill to avoid riding the brakes.
- Don’t tailgate. This is a dangerous practice which causes you to brake harder and more often.
Symptoms Of Bad Brakes
Although many parts comprise your brake system, pads are the components that wear most often. In addition to constant use, exposure to chemicals and dirt can also cause wear. If you notice any one of these signs, bring your automobile in for brake servicing as soon as possible:
- Squeaky Or Squealing Sound
The most common reason for your brakes squealing is a built-in warning system. Many brake manufacturers design pads with squealer tabs which make a loud noise indicating it’s time to change your pads.
- Soft Brake Pedal
Usually, if your brake pedal is spongy, you may have a problem with the hydraulic system. A leak or air in the brake fluid interferes with the pressure giving the brakes a soft feeling.
- Poor Brake Performance
Have you noticed that it takes longer to stop your vehicle? Or maybe it pulls to one side when you apply the brakes. Any changes in your stopping ability need investigation.
Best Auto Brake Service Nearby – FAQs
With nearly 25% of all accidents attributed to brakes, maintaining them is an important safety issue. When you need the best auto brake service nearby, trust Xpress Lube. Below we answer a few questions related to brakes.
Is A Dealership The Best Place To Service Brakes?
While dealerships offer specialized technicians and brand authority, independent mechanics usually charge a lower price and with higher customer satisfaction. Moreover, many independent automotive shops employ ASE-certified mechanics. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a non-profit organization that tests and certifies automotive professionals. Thus, the technicians at the independent shop can be just as knowledgeable as dealership mechanics.
How Much Will It Cost To Service My Brakes?
Prices for brake servicing vary widely. Often, luxury or European cars require specialized parts costing more. Furthermore, you may need additional services like replacing rotors. Before any auto shop begins repairs on your vehicle totaling more than $350, you must receive a written estimate.
Which Brake Pads Are The Best?
Typically, manufacturers make 3 different types of pads, organic, metal, and ceramic. Most automakers equip their cars with organic brake pads. The other manufacturers may use ceramic or semi-metallic.
Organic pads offer good performance at a lower price point. However, they do tend to wear out faster than the other choices. Semi-metallic pads tend to last longer than organic but are the noisiest option. Although the most expensive pad, ceramic is considerably more durable while offering the best performance.
Upgrading to a better pad can improve performance, increase safety, and prolong the lifespan of parts. However, the value of using ceramic pads depends on your vehicle and driving style. If you have questions about which is best for your car, stop by our shop. Our technicians can answer any questions you have about brakes and give your car a free brake inspection.
When you need the best auto brake service nearby, visit Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. For over 25 years, our local auto repair shop has been servicing foreign and domestic trucks, SUVs, and cars. Is it time to service your car’s brakes? Don’t wait! Make an appointment right now by calling us at 336-993-7697 or using our online form
