If there’s one critical part of your vehicle you don’t want to neglect, it’s the brakes. Their quality could be the difference between a quick stop and a deadly collision. Unfortunately, many drivers take their brakes for granted, and don’t consider that they also need regular maintenance in order to ensure they’re effective and responsive. The last place you want to discover there’s an issue with your brakes is when you hit them in an emergency. Read on with the team here at Downtown Ford, as we walk you through why you should regularly have your brakes serviced.
How Can I Tell If My Brakes Need Service?
There are several early signs that you may need to have your brakes investigated sooner than later. In addition to the brake light appearing on your dashboard, you should also look out for any of the following worrying issues:
- Loud metallic squealing or squeaking when you apply the brakes.
- Grinding noises when you apply the brakes.
- Wobbling or pulsing brakes.
- Leaking brake fluid.
- Spongy or soft brake pedals.
- Pulling to one side when braking.
- A burning or chemical smell.
Are There Ways I Can Care For My Brakes?
There’s a few ways you can prolong the lifespan of your brakes. The key thing is to practice a more cautious driving style so you can avoid sudden, hard braking as much as possible. Easier, gradual braking is easier on the brake system. You can also stay in a low gear while driving on hilly or winding roads, to help prevent wear on your brakes.
How Often Should I Get My Brakes Checked?
As is often the case, the more you use your vehicle, the more often you should probably get your vehicle’s brakes checked. For the average driver, it’s a good idea to get them serviced by a technician every six months, and you’ll likely be looking at a brake pad replacement every four years.
Schedule Your Brake Service with Downtown Ford
If you’ve noticed worrying changes in your vehicle’s braking, or even if it’s just been a while since you’ve had your brakes investigated by a pro, you should get your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. Your brakes are one of the parts of your vehicle you definitely don’t want to neglect. Book a service appointment with Downtown Ford in Toronto, ON today, and our team will get you back on the road just as soon as possible.