Most people know that a “brake check” is an unsafe driving move where one driver stomps on their brakes to prevent a second driver from tailgating. While we NEVER recommend this dangerous way of driving, there is a second kind of brake check we do recommend: checking your brakes to ensure they are in good condition. This second kind of brake check can keep you safe while on the road. If you’re searching for a free brake check near me, come to Kernersville Auto Center. Our experienced mechanics can check your brakes today at no charge.

Signs You Should Check Your Brakes

The condition of your brakes isn’t something that should keep you up at night. Typically, there are warning signs that it is time to schedule a brake inspection. You should schedule an appointment if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Your brake light is on, and doesn’t go away even after you checked to ensure your parking brake isn’t engaged
• You hear high-pitched squealing when you apply your brakes
• Pressing your brakes causes a grinding noise or vibration
• Your brakes have a “soft” feel, and you have to heavily press on the brakes to get your vehicle to stop
• You smell burning when you brake
• Brake fluid is leaking from your vehicle

You know your vehicle. If your brakes just feel weird, come in for a free brake inspection. Even if you aren’t experiencing any of the above signs, we recommend scheduling a brake inspection at least once per year. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Do You Need New Brake Pads, New Rotors, New Drums, or All of the Above?

So it’s time to replace your brakes… what exactly does that mean? It helps to understand a bit about how brakes work.

Cars can have one of two types of brakes: disc or drum. Many modern vehicles have both (discs in the front and drums in the rear), though some have all one type or the other.

With a disc brake system, your wheel is connected to a rotor and there are brake pads on either side. When you push your brake pedal, the brake pads push against the rotor, which causes it to stop. Conversely, drum brakes have a round drum that connects to the wheel with a brake shoe inside. In this case, pushing the brakes causes the brake shoe to press against the drum, which again causes it to stop.

Most people will need new brake pads for their disc brakes every 10,000 to 20,000 miles, but this depends heavily on your driving habits. You typically don’t need to replace your rotors every time. Our mechanics will check if they are warped or otherwise damaged. You should have your rotors inspected every time you get new brake pads. They can last anywhere from 15,000 to 70,000 miles.

In drum brakes, your brake shoe is similar to a brake pad. You might see wear and need a replacement every 10,000 to 20,000 miles, though again this depends on your driving habits, with some lasting much longer. Unlike rotors, brake drums can last the life of the vehicle. Typically, they last 200,000 miles or more in some cases. However, like with rotors, you should have your brake drums inspected regularly to ensure they are working properly.

Other Brake Components We Check

Our routine free brake inspection includes checking all parts of your brake system. This includes not only the brake pads/shoes and rotors/drums, but also all other components. Our mechanics check:

• Master cylinder, which converts the force of you physically pushing your brakes to the hydraulic pressure that sends brake fluid to your brakes, telling your vehicle to slow or stop
• Brake lines, which transport the brake fluid from the master cylinder to your brakes, causing the car to slow or stop
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS), which prevents your wheels from locking up when you have to slam on your brakes in an emergency
• Parking brake, which is a separate component outside your normal braking system to add extra protection when you need to prevent your vehicle from rolling downhill (also called an emergency brake or hand brake)

If you need brake repair for any component, we can help. Our experienced mechanics are ASE-certified and have experience with many different makes and models. We can get you back on the road quickly, and our rates are affordable so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank to fix your car.

FAQs About Having Your Car Repaired at Our Shop

Here at Kernersville Auto Center, we strive to provide top-quality service, whether you are here for vehicle repair or just need a quick free brake check near me. We’d be happy to answer any brake maintenance questions you have, but here are a few we commonly hear to get you started:

Is Your Free Brake Check Near Me Really Free?

Yes! If you do need repairs or any kind of maintenance, we’d be happy to give you a quote. However, you are under no obligation to get your vehicle fixed with us. Our free brake check near me really is free.

What Does it Mean if My Rotors are Bad?

You don’t have to change your rotors every time you change your brake pads. We’ll inspect them to see if they are warped, worn, uneven, or otherwise damaged. You can also let us know if you’ve been experiencing common signs that your rotors are bad. We’ll never recommend replacing your rotors if they are still in good condition. Your trust is more important to us than making an extra buck!

Can You Do Other Car Maintenance?

Here at Kernersville Auto Center, we can take care of almost all car maintenance and repair needs. This includes oil changes, transmission repair, engine tune-ups, and more. We are a one-stop shop for vehicle maintenance and repair with outstanding customer service. Stop by anytime or click here to schedule an appointment with an experienced technician.