Brake Repair and Replacement Services

  In general, get your brake pads replaced every 25,000 to 70,000 miles. 

  You might need to replace brakes more often if you drive more miles over any given time and replacing brake pads also depends on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

  The rotors last much longer, and you should replace rotors every 50,000 to 70,000 miles for best results. 

  Also, many manufacturers recommend replacing the brake fluid in your brakes every 30,000 miles. 

Pay attention to these signs to know if your brakes need to be checked.

• A change in the feel of the brake pedal. Does it take less pressure to depress the brake pedal? Does the brake pedal move more easily? It might indicate a leak of brake fluid or air in a brake line.
• An increase in stopping distance. Do you notice it takes a longer distance for you to stop? For example, you begin stopping ahead of an intersection the same you always do, but the front end of your car accidentally comes close to other vehicles or sticks out into an intersection.
• Abnormal sounds when you hit the brakes. Do you notice squeaking, grinding, or thudding noises when you engage the brakes? Get your brakes checked ASAP.
• Leaking brake fluid. Look for a small puddle of yellowish-brown fluid underneath your car or near the wheels. It might be leaking brake fluid, which is a big problem. 
• Vibrations when you hit the brakes. Can you sense vibrations when you depress the brake pedal? It might also feel like several pulses, as if the brakes engage then release, engage then release, engage then release. 
• Burning rubber smell. You never want to smell something burning in relation to your car. Burning rubber, in this case, isn’t about the tires. Burning rubber could indicate failing brakes because the brakes are so worn they cannot produce enough friction to stop the wheels.
• Drifting to the left or right when you slow down. If your vehicle drifts to the left or right when you hit the brakes without turning the steering wheel, it might indicate one set of brakes is pulling more than the other, causing the front of your vehicle to drift.

There are three main types of maintenance a technician can perform.

• Replacing brake fluid to make sure it’s clean and maintains the right pressure. A technician may also replace some brake lines.
• Servicing brake pads. This might entail replacing the brake pads and then perhaps grinding the disc brakes to make sure they fit properly.
• Replacing the brakes. Generally, if you need the brakes replaced on one wheel, technicians will also replace the brakes on the entire axle (front or rear) because you need the brakes to pull evenly when you hit the brake pedal.

  The term is a bit misleading. 

Wheel alignment actually refers to a vehicle’s suspension, which involves a complex system of springs and other parts that keep your tires in their correct position. 

  Properly aligned wheels sit at the right angles so that they can move in a straight line efficiently with even tire wear. 

  Potholes, curbs, and other features of rough roads can easily throw off a vehicle’s suspension, which means improper wheel alignment too.

  As always, you should check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended alignment schedule. 

  Keep in mind that if you drive on rough roads, you’ll need alignment more often. You can also watch for common signs of misalignment, such as uneven tire tread wear, difficulty keeping the steering wheel straight, and a car that tends to drift in one direction.

  If you like saving money on gas, getting the most out of your tires, and driving safely, you should be all for maintaining your vehicle’s wheel alignment.
 The suspension is a crucial component in your car, connecting steering and tires just right to make sure everything is moving smoothly for a comfortable, safe and reliable ride.