Is It Time To Schedule A Brake Inspection?

Brakes are among the most important components on any modern vehicle. The ability to stop your car reliably is critical to the safety of you, your passengers, and other drivers you share the roadway with.

Brake components are not designed to last forever. The average driver might not know when it's time to replace their brake pads or rotors, but a brake inspection completed by a professional mechanic can determine brake health. Watch for these warning signs that you need to schedule a brake inspection as you operate your vehicle in the future.

Pay Attention to Feel 

The feel of your brake pedal as you depress it with your foot can tell you a lot about the health of your vehicle's brake system. Brakes that are functioning properly will create a firm and steady pressure against your foot when you use the brake pedal.

If you notice that the pedal feels a bit spongy or doesn't have the same level of resistance that it used to, chances are that some brake components are worn out. A professional can inspect the brakes to identify the problem and make repairs before a serious accident occurs.

Listen to Your Brakes

You can use your ears to determine if you need to take your vehicle in for a brake inspection. Turn down the radio and listen closely for any sounds that are created when you activate your vehicle's brakes.

Grinding, squealing, or whining are all sounds that indicate a problem within the braking system. If you don't address these sounds immediately, your brake system could fail when you need it most.

Check Your Rims

A visual inspection of the rims on your vehicle can provide you with some basic information regarding the condition of your brake system. Many brakes will begin to deteriorate over time. This results in the creation of brake dust as the pads compress against the rotors.

Eventually, the brake pads will deteriorate to the point where no protective material remains. If you see evidence of brake dust on the rims of your vehicle, you should schedule a brake inspection. A professional mechanic can take a look at your brake pads to determine if they need to be replaced as a result of wear.

Maintaining your brake system is an important part of vehicle ownership. Be mindful of any changes in the feel, sound, or appearance of your vehicle as you determine when a professional brake inspection is needed.