There are a few key vehicle elements that play a vital role in safety and basic car operations, and brakes are at or near the top of any such list. Most car owners are aware that brakes wear down over time and must be periodically inspected to see how they’re doing – how often should this be done, and which factors should you be paying attention to while answering this question?
At Tip Top Transmissions, we’re happy to offer numerous auto repair services to clients around Salt Lake City, including everything from factory-recommended maintenance to specific areas like oil changes, brakes and more. Here are some of the key variables to be keeping in mind while determining how often you need your brakes inspected, or whether now is the time to schedule such an appointment.
Manufacturer Recommendations
In many cases, the simplest way of determining how often to have your brakes inspected is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding brake inspections and replacements. While some cars may or may not require more frequent checkups, it’s usually best to stick with what the manufacturer recommends – after all, they know their vehicle better than anyone else does!
Within your owner’s manual, you should be able to find a specific mileage interval that the manufacturer has recommended for brake inspections. This number can vary by brand, model and year of car – but it’s usually set at around 25,000-30,000 miles or once every two years (whichever comes first).
Driving Habits
Another factor that will play into how often your brakes should be inspected is the way you drive. If you frequently brake hard, drive in difficult or hilly terrain, or drive with a heavy load (like trailer towing), then it’s usually best to increase the frequency of brake inspections.
Even if your car isn’t due for one according to the manufacturer’s recommendations yet, having them checked more often can be a great way to prevent any major surprises down the road.
Minimum Frequency
Even if you don’t drive that much, or if your manufacturer recommendations are further apart than you’d like, it’s still important to have your brakes inspected at least once a year. This way, any minor problems can be caught quickly and easily before they become major issues down the road.
If you fail to get your brakes inspected even once a year, then you run the risk of experiencing wear-and-tear on your brake pads and rotors that could lead to more expensive issues – or potentially even dangerous conditions. Avoid this by having them inspected at least once a year, regardless of other factors.
Any Major Need or Event
If you know you’ll be taking the vehicle on a long road trip, or if there’s been any major event that will cause extra wear-and-tear on the brakes (such as a large accident), then it’s best to have your brakes inspected as soon as possible – even if they were recently checked. This way, you can make sure everything is in working order and no repairs are needed before driving off.
Some people will even have their breaks checked ahead of a significant life event. Before having a new baby, for instance, many parents will get their brakes checked to make sure the baby can ride in the car safely.
Listen to the Car
When we say “listen to” your vehicle, we aren’t only referring to audible signs like grinding or squeaking. It’s also important to listen to the physical signs of brake wear as well – if the car is pulling to one side when braking, for instance, this could be a sign that your brakes are in need of service.
Trust the Pros
Finally, in any setting where your car is being repaired or upgraded and a professional technician is involved, always trust the technicians’ recommendations when it comes to your brakes. They know better than anyone else what kind of condition your brakes are in and whether or not it’s time for a service.
At Tip Top Transmissions, our experienced professionals will be able to quickly inspect your brakes and determine if they’re due for any maintenance or repair work. We’ll be sure to keep you informed of any service recommendations we have and make sure you leave our shop with a safe, reliable vehicle. Contact us today for more information on any of our transmission or other vehicle services for drivers around Salt Lake City!