How Often do Brakes need to be Serviced?
Brakes should be serviced and taken care of as soon as they show signs of wearing out. Brake servicing includes taking care of the brake components by cleaning and lubricating them. The servicing is done between the replacement of the brakes. With proper servicing, you would be able to prolong the replacement to a sustained amount of time. Brake servicing is needed when the rust buildup causes brake noises, or the dirt accumulated on the brakes makes it hard to function properly. On average, you should service your brakes after your vehicle has traveled every 25,000 to 70,000 miles or every 4 to 6 months, whatever comes first.
How do Brakes Work?
Brakes contain a collection of parts that work collectively to aid the vehicle. Before diving into the detail, it is important to know the mechanism of the brakes. This would help you to have a better understanding of the services in general.
Your vehicle has two kinds of brakes – the front and the rear ones. The front brakes use large metal disks called rotors. Although the rear brakes also use rotors at times, some manufacturers also use expanding drum brakes instead to lower the overall costs. You push the brakes to stop the vehicle. At that time, the brake fluid is transferred through a series of tubes with great pressure. When the brake fluid reaches the front wheels, a caliper is activated. It pushed the brake pads on either side of the wheels. The friction causes the vehicle to slow down.
What Causes Brakes to Wear?
There are several reasons for the wear and tear of the brakes. Some of them include:
● Driving on uneven or bumpy roads
● Driving during heavy traffic, where you must use your brakes a lot.
● Uphill driving with sharp turns
● Cheap brake pads and other components
● Riding the brakes
What does Brakes Service Include?
The brakes consist of several individual components or parts that work together as a system. When you are opting for brake services, it might mean servicing either of the parts or all the components in general.
Here are some of the servicing that you might expect:
● Replacement of brake pads between every 20,000 and 60,000 miles
● Replacement of the brake caliper, usually done during the change of the brake pad.
● Flushing of brake fluid – should be done every 2 years or every 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
● Replacement or polishing of brake rotor, usually done at the time of brake pad replacement.
What are the Signs to get your Brakes Serviced?
Although a rough timeline has been specified earlier, there are some signs to ensure if you need to service your brakes. Some of them are listed below:
● Odd sounds like squeaking or screeching when you pull the brakes.
● Delay in stopping when you hit the brakes.
● The brake warning light is turned on when you are driving.
● There is a brake fluid leak.
How much does a brake service cost?
Normally, brake servicing might cost you around $80 to $130. Usually, both axles are serviced at the same time. In case the disks or drums are rusted or warped, you might have to get them machined. This would bear additional costs. Warped or rusted disks or drums cause the vehicle to vibrate while driving.
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