Once you drive your new vehicle out of the Car Credit lot, it’s very important to understand how to maintain your new ride. Car Credit’s 2-year Limited Maintenance Agreement https://www.carcredittampa.com/service/ will help you keep your car functioning properly, but, even so, you should pay special attention to signs of wear and tear on any major components.

Maintaining your vehicle’s brakes is crucial for your safety on the road. Brakes are responsible for stopping your car, and if they fail, it can lead to a serious accident. Brake wear and tear is a common issue that every driver should be aware of. There are several causes of brake wear and tear, including driving habits, road conditions, and the quality of the brake components.

Driving habits play a significant role in brake wear and tear. Frequent hard braking can cause the brake pads to wear out faster than normal. Similarly, riding the brakes while driving downhill can cause excessive heat buildup, leading to premature wear and tear.

Road conditions such as steep hills, stop-and-go traffic, and rough terrain can also contribute to brake wear and tear.

Lastly, the quality of the brake components used in your vehicle can affect their lifespan.

 

Common Signs of Brake Wear

It’s essential to recognize the signs of brake wear before they become a more significant problem. Here are some common signs that indicate your brakes need attention:

– Squeaking or grinding noises: If you hear a high-pitched squeaking or grinding noise when you apply the brakes, it’s a sign that your brake pads are worn out.

– Vibrations or pulsations: If you feel vibrations or pulsations in the brake pedal when you apply the brakes, it could be due to warped rotors.

– Longer stopping distances: If your car takes longer to stop than usual, it could be due to worn-out brake pads or low brake fluid levels.

– Pulling to one side while braking: If your car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it could be due to unevenly worn brake pads or a stuck caliper.

– Warning lights on dashboard: If you see warning lights on your dashboard related to the brakes, such as the ABS light or brake warning light, it’s time to get your brakes checked.

If you are a Car Credit customer with a 2-year Maintenance Agreement https://www.carcredittampa.com/service/ , you can always call for a Service appointment to let the experts diagnose and repair any problems.

 

Warning Signs of Brake Failure

If you ignore the signs of brake wear, it can lead to brake failure, which is a dangerous situation. Here are some warning signs that indicate your brakes are failing:

– Soft or spongy brake pedal: If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy when you apply the brakes, it could be due to air in the brake lines or a failing master cylinder.

– Brake pedal goes to the floor: If your brake pedal goes all the way to the floor when you apply the brakes, it’s a sign of a severe brake problem that requires immediate attention.

– Burning smell while driving: If you smell a burning odor while driving, it could be due to overheating brakes caused by dragging calipers or worn-out brake pads.

– Brake fluid leaks: If you notice any fluid leaks around your wheels or under your car, it could be due to a leaking brake line or failing master cylinder.

 

How to Check Brake Pads

Regularly checking your brake pads is an essential part of maintaining your vehicle’s brakes. Here’s how you can check your brake pads:

Visual inspection: Look through the wheel spokes and check the thickness of the brake pads. If they look thin, it’s time to replace them.

Measuring brake pad thickness: Use a ruler or caliper to measure the thickness of the brake pads. If they are less than 1/4 inch thick, it’s time to replace them.

Checking for uneven wear: Check for uneven wear on the brake pads. If one side is more worn than the other, it could be due to a stuck caliper or unevenly worn rotors.

 

How to Check Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is essential for proper braking performance. Here’s how you can check your brake fluid:

Locating brake fluid reservoir: The brake fluid reservoir is usually located on top of the master cylinder. Check your owner’s manual for the exact location.

Checking fluid level and color: Check the fluid level and color. The fluid should be between the minimum and maximum marks, and it should be clear or light yellow in color.

Checking for contamination: Check for any contamination in the brake fluid, such as dirt or debris. If you notice any contamination, it’s time to flush and replace the brake fluid.

 

How to Check Brake Rotors

Brake rotors are responsible for stopping your car by creating friction with the brake pads. Here’s how you can check your brake rotors:

Visual inspection: Look at the surface of the rotor for any visible damage, such as cracks or warping.

Measuring rotor thickness: Use a micrometer to measure the thickness of the rotor. If it’s less than the minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer, it’s time to replace it.

Checking for warping or cracking: Spin the rotor and check for any warping or cracking. If you notice any irregularities, it’s time to replace the rotor.

 

When to Replace Brakes

It’s essential to follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle’s brakes. Here are some signs that indicate immediate brake replacement:

Metal-to-metal contact: If you hear a grinding noise when you apply the brakes, it could be due to metal-to-metal contact between the brake pads and rotors.

Low brake pad thickness: If your brake pads are less than 1/8 inch thick, it’s time to replace them.

Worn-out rotors: If your rotors are less than the minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer or have visible damage, it’s time to replace them.

Importance of timely brake replacement: Timely brake replacement can prevent accidents and save money in the long run. Ignoring signs of brake wear can lead to more significant problems that require expensive repairs.

 

Car Credit is Here to Help

Maintaining your vehicle’s brakes is crucial for your safety on the road. Recognizing the signs of brake wear and tear and addressing them promptly can prevent accidents and save money in the long run. Regularly checking your brake pads, fluid, and rotors can help you identify any issues before they become a more significant problem. Following the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle’s brakes is essential for their longevity and proper functioning. Consult the Service Professionals at Car Credit for help keeping you and your family safe in your car.