What every driver should know about brake maintenance

When was the last time you had your brakes inspected? Here’s what you need to know about brake maintenance and how to tell if you should get yours checked by a professional.

Brake inspection schedule
There’s no hard and fast rule regarding how often you should get your brakes checked. In fact, scheduled maintenance for your brakes is largely influenced by your driving habits.

Aggressive drivers, especially those who make repeated abrupt stops, tend to put more strain on their brakes than those who handle their cars more gently. Similarly, driving around the city is more demanding than driving on the highway.

The bottom line is that the more you use your brakes, the more often you should get them inspected.

To be on the safe side, have someone check your brakes at least twice a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever one comes first. Regular inspections are the best way to stay safe on the road.

Red flags to watch out for
If your brakes are faulty, there are a number of possible indicators that this is the case. In a scenario in which the discs or pads are worn out, warped or not installed properly, or in which the brake fluid has oxidized, you’ll likely notice one or more of the following signs:

• The braking distance has increased
• The brake pedal has either a loose or stiff feel
• The brake pedal vibrates when you engage it
• The brakes are noisy
• The car drifts when the brake’s engaged
• The brake warning light is on

If you notice even just one these signs, immediately make an appointment with a mechanic. When it comes to your brakes, veering on the side of caution is always best.