Why/When should I get my Brakes Inspected?

Brakes provide one of the most critically important safety measures in your vehicle. When it comes to brake safety, it’s better to check too often than not often enough.

While most manufacturers recommend brake service be performed every 20,000 – 60,000 miles, the easiest practice is to have them inspected when you perform other routine maintenance – like oil changes or tire rotations – every six months. Many shops will inspect your brakes for free.

How Do I know If my Brakes Are Bad?

It is rare that brakes will fail without any warning. Some of the most common signs that your brakes need to be inspected include:

Noise while braking. Whether it's a squeal or a grind, noise means the brake system needs some attention. Most noises are due to a problem with the brake pads, which wear down over time due to friction. Some brake pads are actually designed to make noise when they get worn. Replacing brake pads is fairly low cost. If you wait too long, though, the brake pads wear through, and then the rotors or discs will be damaged, too. That's more expensive to fix.

Spongy feeling. If you have to press the brake pedal further or harder than usual to stop, there could also be a problem. It might be worn brake pads, or it could be something else, like a leak in the lines. Get your brakes checked as soon as you can.

Brake warning light. Don’t ignore this light, even if you can’t hear or feel anything wrong. Especially in later model vehicles with computer-controlled braking systems, that can be a very dangerous decision. When the brake warning light stays on, there's a problem in the brake system that you may not notice otherwise. This could be a faulty sensor — or a possible brake system failure.

Other signs. If your steering pulls to one side when you brake, or you are low on brake fluid, there may also be a problem.

Don't wait to get brake service – your safety depends on them. The cost of a brake repair service is a whole lot less than the cost of failing to stop when you need to!

You can get a brake inspection at any of our stores for any of these problems. We'll tell you what the issue is, give you a quote and perform the brake repair you need to get back on the road safely, fast. And while you're there, we'll check the air in your tires and fill them for free.

Click the button below to schedule an appointment at your nearest Big O Tires store.