Most people don’t tend to worry about brakes until something starts making an alarming sound or there is something “odd” going on when driving. However, routine brake inspections can be one of the easiest methods for staying safe and preventing bigger problems in the future. If you’re interested in a routine inspection or simply want to know what needs to be done during a routine brake inspection st. peters shops, here are all of the details.
Why Regular Brake Inspections Matter
The brakes will wear out gradually, and that is why you may overlook the initial symptoms until it gets too late to solve the problem. You need to have an inspection of your brakes carried out every six months to a year (or as recommended in your car manual) to detect the wear before it leads to further problems.
Apart from keeping you safe, routine inspections will help save money too. It is less expensive to replace the brake pads when they are worn but before they have damaged your rotors.
What a Thorough Brake Inspection Should Include
Thickness of brake pads. Technicians are supposed to assess the thickness of your brake pads. On average, brake pads have an initial thickness of about 10-12mm. The usual point to replace the pads is 3mm thickness.
Rotors. Your rotors should be inspected to see whether they are warped, grooved, scored, or worn unevenly. If the rotors are extremely worn or too thin, they should be replaced or resurfaced before replacing pads.
Fluid Level and Condition of the Brake Fluid. Brake fluid should be examined for its level and condition. The old and contaminated fluid can negatively affect your braking efficiency.
Brake Lines and Hoses. These components should be inspected for cracks, leaks, and corrosion, which will make your brake fluid inefficient.
Calipers. The inspection should include assessing whether calipers are functioning and providing even pressure, as a sticky caliper will cause brake pads to wear unevenly or to drag on one side.
Functioning of Parking Brake. Regardless of the electronic or mechanical type of your parking brake, it should be inspected for proper engagement and holding capability.
Wheel Bearings. Even though this component belongs to the suspension system, it is included into the brake system inspection in many cases.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
In between scheduled brake inspections, be sure to listen and look for the following signs:
- High pitched squeal during braking (designed to alert of premature wear in the brakes)
- Grinding noise that suggests the pads have been completely worn out
- A spongy brake pedal
- Vibration of pulsation while braking
- The car pulling to one side while braking
- Increased stopping distance compared to normal
- Warning brake light in the dashboard illuminated
It’s better to get your brakes inspected earlier if you suspect any of these signs than to wait until the next routine service.
How Driving Habits Affect Brake Wear
The wear of the brakes doesn’t only depend on age or the distance traveled but also on the way you drive. Hard braking, stop-and-go driving, and driving with heavy loads will cause accelerated wear of your brakes. If you usually drive under more traffic conditions than normal, it might be wise to check your brakes sooner than the recommended schedule.
What to Ask During Your Inspection
Here are some straightforward questions that you should consider asking when you visit the shop with your car:
- How much life do I have left on my brake pads?
- Is there enough life left on my rotors, or do they require resurfacing or replacement?
- Should I be flushing my brake fluid?
- Are there any other parts that look worn out?
It is usually a positive sign if a shop invests the time to explain their findings to you rather than just giving you an invoice.
Setting a Realistic Inspection Schedule
Though it depends on your vehicle and driving style, it’s always a good idea to get your brakes checked at least once a year, or every 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. For cars that are often driven in rush hour traffic, or that are constantly towing things, getting them checked even more frequently may be advisable.
