The Importance of Routine Brake Maintenance
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by: lucyjones
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Word Count: 416
Do not fret when your mechanic informs you that your car needs brake repair. Your squealing brakes are telling you that they are doing the job that they were designed to do; after all, brakes are supposed to wear down. Think of brake repair as a necessary component of regular car maintenance instead.
Brake pads are intended to alert you to the need for maintenance by scraping and squealing when they have worn down to a certain point, but they are not the only indication that brake repair is warranted. You should check your brake fluid levels when your brake light goes on; this typically indicates that your fluid is low and your brakes should be checked over by a certified technician. Seeing or smelling brake fluid indicates the presence of a leak that should be checked immediately. Rotor surface issues usually manifest themselves through vibrating wheels or brake pedals, and brakes that squeal even after you release the brake pedal mean that your wear indicators are scraping against the rotors. The grinding or growling sounds that metal on metal makes is a clear signal that your brake pads have completely worn away.
Brake repair specialists recommend that car owners have their brakes serviced as soon as it becomes apparent that something is amiss. You should still have your brakes inspected at least once a year even if nothing appears to be wrong. Certain maintenance tasks should be performed regularly as well in order to keep your brakes in optimal condition and brake repair to a minimum. Be sure to have your brake fluid tested for the presence of metal particles and moisture. If you do not, you will need to replace your calipers and wheel cylinders more frequently. And, while on the subject of brake fluid, keep in mind that you do not need to have the fluid topped off whenever you have any service work done to your car. Full brake fluid levels prevent the brake wear alert system from functioning properly. Any metal to metal brake components should also be kept well lubricated in order to maintain a barrier between parts.
Finally, do not forget to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Your brakes cannot to their job if your tires are not in top shape. After all, the brake system may stop the wheels, but the friction between the tires and the road is what stops the entire car.
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