A lot of us don't worry about our cars' brakes until they become a serious problem. We wait until they start to screech and squeal, and even then we sometimes continue to drive until they eventually fail completely. Then, we're faced with dangerous driving conditions and expensive brake repairs.
Like oil changes, tire rotations, transmission services and other preventative maintenance procedures you do to keep your vehicle running right, you definitely want to take care of your brake system. It's a good idea to get your brakes inspected regularly and serviced as needed. A qualified mechanic will be able to look over all the brake components and make sure that everything is functioning properly. Brake pads need to be replaced when they are getting low. Brake rotors should be resurfaced periodically. Brake fluid needs to be checked and replaced every so often.
Here are 4 benefits of getting your brakes serviced regularly, according to the Colorado Springs brake repair experts at LightHouse Automotive:
1. Overall Vehicle Performance
The brakes have a major impact on the overall performance of your car, truck, van or SUV. If the brakes get weak or start to stick on one side, you can develop significant wheel alignment issues that can lead to poor vehicle handling on the road. The health and performance of many different automotive components can be affected by bad brakes. This includes the wheels, tires, suspension and drivetrain.
2. Vehicle Safety
Obviously, your safety as a driver is on the line when you are driving with bad brakes. Weak brakes mean you can't stop as quickly when you need to. You may find the vehicle pulling hard to one side or the other, making it difficult to drive straight on the freeway or make tight turns. There is no more important safety feature in your car than a healthy brake system that performs the way it should. If you are driving with bad brakes, you are putting your own life—along with the lives of anyone else in your car or on the road around you—at risk!
3. Brake Life
When you take care of your brake system and its sensitive components, you make everything last longer. If you replace the pads when they get worn, then you don't have to remachine the rotors or adjust the calipers, brake lines and ABS sensors as often. Preventatively maintaining your brakes will keep your entire brake system and other automotive components affected by it lasting longer.
4. Preventing Major Problems
The reason we perform preventative auto maintenance services like oil changes and brake services is to PREVENT major problems from developing. If you ignore your brakes, bad things will eventually happen. This leads to costly breakdowns, major repairs and possibly even serious accidents. You can save more money over time with a smart and consistent maintenance plan that helps you to avoid major repairs that will be much more expensive.
These are just some of the key benefits of getting your brakes inspected and serviced as part of your regular automotive maintenance plan. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a brake check-up in Colorado Springs, call LightHouse Automotive today at (719) 465-0302 or book your appointment online.