Don’t assume when you take your car in for an oil change that the technician will check the brakes.
While some shops do make brake inspection part of their routine, others don’t unless a customer requests the service.
“Most cars tend to go through two sets of front brake pads and one pair of rear brake shoes [in the car’s lifetime],” said Ed Kriston of AAA Mid-Atlantic, headquartered in Wilmington, Del.
“Most of the time if you have notification that your brakes need replacing, it is too late,” he said.
Consider some of these pointers from Kriston, Jeffrey Boone and Troy Green, all of the Towson office of AAA Mid-Atlantic, to ensure your brakes are safe:
» Do have your brakes checked every 15,000 miles or so if you do a lot of city driving. Generally that type of driving necessitates brake replacement about every 20,000 to 25,000 miles.
» Don’t drive with one foot on the accelerator and one foot on the brake. If you do, you may need to replace costly rotors and brake pads every 5,000 miles.
» Do note that most shops will check brakes at no cost. Even if the brakes are in good condition, the technician will generally clean and adjust them.
» Don’t neglect brake fluids. Many automakers don’t mention brake fluids in owners’ manuals. In fact, brake fluid absorbs water and other materials. The fluid should be changed once every three years.
» Do take great care not to get water in the brake fluid if you opt to check it yourself. To check the fluid level, consult your owner’s manual. Remove the lid of the brake fluid reservoir and make sure that the fluid is at least two thirds full. If it isn’t, add brake fluid or have a mechanic do so.
» Do not be alarmed if your brakes occasionally squeak. That is generally caused when moisture forms on the rotors as the car warms up. If the squeaking is constant, have a technician check your brakes.
