Brake system problems don’t cross your mind because you rely on your brakes every day without thinking about it. When you see traffic slowing down in front of you, or when you are approaching a red light or stop sign, you automatically press down on the brake pedal to slow down and stop your car. J&S Auto Repair cautions that your brake system needs factory-scheduled services just as every other system in your automobile does. Let’s talk about some of the common brake services and the mileage milestones at which you should have them done.
Brake Pad Replacement
Brake pad replacement should be done about every 30,000 miles. Your brake pads may wear out before that time, usually around 25,000 miles, or they may last as long as 60,000 miles. Regardless of how long the pads last, it’s important that you replace them when they need it, which is when the surface reaches 1/4-inch. If you fail to replace your brake pads when they need it, you not only run the risk of being unable to stop your car, truck, or utility vehicle, but you also run the risk of damaging the rotors.
Rotor Resurfacing
The rotors are surfaced or cut to increase the friction that is generated between them and the brake pads. It is this friction that creates the kinetic energy that your vehicle needs when you press down on the brake pedal. Rotor resurfacing should be done every 60,000 miles. Every time the brake pads press against the rotors to slow down and stop your car, the rotor surface is smooth out just a little bit. It can warp, as well, so plan on a rotor resurfacing every 60,000 miles as mentioned above.
Brake Fluid Flush and Refill
Brake fluid can get old, dirty, and lose its effectiveness in helping to stop your automobile. Brake fluid should be flushed and the lines bled every 30,000 miles. This removes the old brake fluid from the system and ensures there isn’t any air in the brake lines. After the system has been drained of all of its brake fluid, new brake fluid is added to the system to restore brake functionality.
Brake Inspections
Finally, it’s a good idea to have your brakes inspected every 12,000 miles so we can make sure that there isn’t anything else that needs to be replaced. There will come a time when the calipers will need to be replaced, and there may come a time when the master cylinder malfunctions or begins to leak. We also need to replace the brake lines as they age.
Call J&S Auto Repair in Warwick, RI, to schedule an appointment for a brake system inspection and service today.
