Your brakes are a critical component of your car. Even if you know how important they are, though, it can be easy to neglect them as long as they’re stopping your vehicle as they should. However, ignoring the signs that your car needs a brake repair could make your car unsafe for both you and other drivers. Here are some things you need to know about repairing your brakes.
Your Dealership Can Help
In the event that you hear a squealing or grinding sound coming from your brakes or your brake pedal feels spongy when you depress it, your car probably needs to have its brakes inspected. Luckily, you can have this done right at your dealership, usually for free. The factory-trained technician will look at your brakes and determine if they need to be fixed or replaced, both of which can be done at the dealership service center.
Types of Brake Repairs
The most common type of repair for your brakes is replacing the brake pads, which wear down every time you slow or stop your car. Your brake pads should be inspected about once every six months to ensure enough surface is left on your pads to stop your vehicle effectively. You may also hear a squealing sound, which is intentionally designed to get your attention when your brake pads have worn to a dangerous level.
Warped rotors are another type of repair that is common in any braking system that involves disc brakes. Warping occurs when the rotors are overheated from continued braking or the improper tightening of the wheel. If you have a warped rotor, you may feel a vibration or pulsing sensation when you press on your brake pedal. Sometimes, rotors can be repaired through resurfacing, but they will need to be entirely replaced in many cases.
How to Prevent a Repair
Eventually, your brakes are going to need to be repaired simply because your brake pads wear down when your brakes are in use. This is not something that can be prevented altogether. However, you can delay the need for repair by practicing good driving and braking habits. For instance, try not to “ride” your brakes, which causes extra wear on the pads and creates heat that can warp your rotors. Instead, slow down using moderate pressure and release to cool the brakes between applications.
If you’re coming down a steep hill, use your downshift powers to slow the vehicle rather than applying the brakes. This allows the engine to take some of the pressure off the brakes to slow down. Additionally, make sure to keep your braking system and wheels clean by applying a wheel cleaner that is safe on your wheels’ finish. Clean brakes work more efficiently, which will then keep the temperature as low as possible.
Authentic Parts
When you have to get your brakes repaired, be sure that the mechanic is only using genuine parts designed for your specific car. The best way to ensure this happens is to have your brakes repaired at your designated certified service & parts center. This way, you know that the technician is experienced with making repairs on your car and will only be using authentic parts on your vehicle.
No one wants to have to get their brakes fixed, but it’s a necessary part of car ownership, and you want to be sure your vehicle is always safe to drive. Schedule your next brake service & repair with us at DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich. We look forward to serving you at our Lexus Service Center in Greenwich, CT!
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