As a driver, brake inspections are one of the most important servicing visits you can make. Each time you press the brake pedal, your brakes wear down a little more. You wouldn’t want to find out the hard way that your brakes have worn down too far and developed a problem! With this in mind, let’s look at how often to have a brake service in Silver Spring, MD, or anywhere else.
Every Six Months for Ordinary Driving Conditions
It’s generally recommended to have your brakes serviced every six months. This coincides nicely with the interval for oil changes and tire rotations. If you rarely use your car or you only drive longer distances on highways, where less frequent braking is required, then every twelve months should be okay.
Flush Brake Fluid Every Two Years
As with any important car part, the fluid inside your braking mechanism is key to proper function. Brake fluid will be checked each time you go in for servicing, and it should usually be flushed out and completely replaced every two years or every 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
More Often for Brake-Heavy Drivers
The more you use them, the faster your brakes wear down. One driver might use their brakes ten or twenty times more than another driver in the same year. Naturally, this first driver should check their brakes more frequently.
You’ll have to make a judgment call as to how much you’re braking. If you think you’re a particularly brake-heavy driver, consider having your brakes inspected more often: every three months or so might be safer.
Driving Conditions in Silver Spring, MD
Some driving environments necessitate lots of braking, such as mountainous terrain and winding hilly roads. The streets of Silver Spring are generally pretty flat and straight, but many local drivers commute to other locations in the Washington, D.C. Metro area.
This usually means periods stuck in stop-and-go traffic every day, which can really take a toll on your brakes. If you’re unsure how brake-heavy a driver you are, ask a technician at your local dealership for their opinion. Click here for tips on checking local road conditions in the Silver Spring area.
Respond Promptly to Brake Trouble
Apart from periodical servicing visits, pay close attention to the quality of your brakes at all times. Never ignore any warning signs, as minor brake issues can rapidly become a more dangerous problem.
Some early indications of brake trouble include brake fade from overheating, where your brakes feel unresponsive, and spongy brakes caused by leaking brake fluid. Squealing sounds usually mean your brake pads need replacing, clicking or grinding indicates a caliper problem, and rhythmic vibrations point to a damaged rotor disc.
We hope this blog has helped you understand your vehicle’s braking system better. When you need your brakes inspected and repaired, trust us at DARCARS Lexus of Silver Spring and schedule a service with us today!
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