Every day, you rely on your vehicle to get you to all your destinations safely. Even if you are the most attentive vehicle owner, who takes great care of their vehicle with regular maintenance, you will have important parts wear out with age or mileage put on the vehicle. The brakes are a part of the vehicle that are prone to wear. As the brakes are arguably the most important safety feature of your vehicle it is imperative that you know the signs that indicate it is time to have them repaired or replaced.
What are Brakes?
The brakes are the mechanical system the vehicle uses to slow and stop. It is engaged when you apply pressure to the brake pedal exerting force or friction on the wheels of the vehicle. Different vehicles may use different brake systems. If you are unsure what type of brake system your vehicle uses, you can review your owner’s manual, or ask one of the knowledgeable mechanics here at Accurate Service.
There are two types of brakes that are most commonly used on vehicles: disc and drum.
Disc Brakes
Disc brakes are made up of a rotor and a caliper that houses the brake pads. When you press on the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is sent from the master cylinder to the caliper. It is this pressure that causes the brake pads to squeeze the disc rotor. The resistance created by this tight clamp slows and stops the wheels.
Drum Brakes
Drum brakes are comprised of several parts, including a brake drum attached to the wheel, wheel cylinder, brake shoes, and brake return springs. When you press on the brake pedal, the drum brakes work by sending hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinder, causing the brake shoes to rub against the drum that is attached to the wheel. The friction created by this action slows or stops your vehicle depending on how firmly or how long you apply pressure to the pedal.
How Long Do Brakes Last?
Brakes are a normal wear item in your vehicle, which means that they will eventually need to be replaced for performance and safety reasons. The life span of your vehicle’s brakes can be impacted by several factors including the type of vehicle you drive, how you drive, where you drive, and your braking habits. However, it seems that most vehicles require some form of brake maintenance at around 70,000 miles. Though, some vehicles may require more frequent service, as often as every 25,000 miles. It is for this reason that we recommend you have your entire brake system inspected every year. This includes the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, calipers and brake fluid. Often, guidelines as to when the items of the brake system should be replaced can be found in your owner’s manual. As always, if you are unsure, you can rely on the expert knowledge of the auto mechanics at Accurate Service to guide you in the right direction.
Symptoms of Bad or Worn Out Brakes
The mileage on your vehicle is a good way to plan for when you will need to consider getting new brakes for your vehicle. Unfortunately, your vehicle won’t always follow the mileage recommendations provided in your owner’s manual and may need service or replacement sooner. It is because of this that you should know the signs and symptoms of bad our worn-out brakes. When it is time for a brake service or replacement, you will notice one or more of the following signs:
- Brakes are grinding, rubbing, or squeaking
- Car pulls to one side when using the brakes
- Brakes vibrate when you push on them
- Brakes feel soft or mushy
- You have to push the brake pedal all the way to the floor
- The brake dashboard light glows amber, indicating problems with the anti-lock brake system (ABS)
- The brake dashboard light is red, indicating a system imbalance
If you notice any of the above problems you should bring your vehicle in to Accurate Service for maintenance right away to prevent accidents or damage to your car.
Never Neglect Your Brakes
If you should fail to pay attention to brakes in need of being repaired or replaced, you are putting yourself and other motorists and pedestrians at risk for accident or injury. You can also do costly damage to your vehicles brake system and other components if you don’t replace your brakes when necessary.
If your car is exhibiting any signs of brake failure, you should have it inspected as soon as possible to remain safe on the roads and prolong the life of your vehicle. The expert auto mechanics at Accurate Service are here to help and care deeply for the safety of our customers. We offer the best brake service in Tucson, AZ, at the best price, and service all makes and models of vehicles. We can do any repair whether it be large or small.
Call us at (520) 622-7685 or schedule an appointment online.