August Brake Safety Awareness

August is brake safety month so what better time to talk about brake safety than now! When it comes to driving, it’s a non-negotiable that when we step on the gas and start driving, we also better be able to press on the brake and stop moving. So how do you have peace of mind every time you hop in the car that your brakes will bring you to a stop like they’re supposed to?

Throughout this blog, we’re going to break it down and talk about keeping brake safety top of mind, how to spot the signs of bad brakes, and how to prolong the life of your vehicle’s brakes.
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Keeping Brake Safety Top of Mind

Like we stated above, anyone who has driven a vehicle understands just how important a vehicle’s braking system is. Especially in the case of an emergency, it’s expected that our brakes can quickly prevent a collision. If that fails to happen, that puts not only us at risk but also everyone else on the road as well… which is a pretty good reason why brake safety matters.

On top of that, well-maintained and safe brakes also improve your car’s overall performance as they work with other systems to make sure you have a safe and smooth drive every time you hop in the car.

Spot the Major Signs of Bad Brakes

Let’s look at some signs of bad brakes so you can be proactive when it comes to your vehicles brake health, ensuring that little issues don’t become even bigger ones. Here are some common indicators:

• Squealing or screeching noises: One of the first, easily recognizable signs of bad brakes is a squealing or screeching noise when applying pressure to the brakes. This is typically indicative of brake pads that are worn thin and need replacement.
• Grinding noises: A second sign of bad brakes is grinding sounds. Griding brakes typically means your brake pads are worn almost completely through making the calipers rub against the rotors.
• Vibration: If you feel your vehicle vibrating that means your rotors are most likely warped, a lot of times coming from the calipers rubbing against them. This will affect your vehicle’s ability to brake both smoothly and safely. For more information on this, take a look at our blog “What are the Symptoms of Bad Brake Calipers?”‍
• Soft Brake Pedal: A brake pedal that feels soft and a bit spongy is a sign either of air in the brake lines or an issue with your brake fluid. To learn more about all things brake fluid click here to read our complete guide on brake fluid.
• Warning Lights: This one goes without saying…most vehicles are equipped with systems that will alert you of brake issues through warning lights on your dash.  Never ignore these warnings! Check out our other blog “Dashboard Warning Lights: A Complete Guide” to learn about the different warning lights and what they mean.

How to Keep Your Brakes Smooth and Safe

The answer to this is pretty easy: regular maintenance and good driving habits. Here are some tips we recommend:

• Regular Inspections: Have your brakes inspected by a professional at least once a year. This helps identify and address any potential issues before they become big ticket ones.
• Brake Fluid: Check your brake fluid level somewhat regularly and replace it as recommended by your mechanic (us!). Brake fluid is essential for the proper functioning of your braking system.
• Brake Pads and Rotors: Brake pads and rotors wear down over time. Replacing them as needed ensures that your brakes remain effective.
• Driving Habits: Last but not least! Your driving habits have a huge impact on the life of your brakes. Aggressive driving and hard braking accelerate wear and tear resulting in unsafe brakes.

It’s pretty obvious just how important it is to stay up on your vehicles brakes… the impact is drastic for both your safety and your wallet. Staying up on your vehicles brakes means you can count on them every time you start your car.

For more information, contact your local GreatWater affiliated shop today.  As your local network of full-service automotive repair centers, there's no job too big or too small for our experienced technicians. Contact us today for more information and to schedule an appointment to have your vehicle's brakes checked.

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