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Cars can get you where you need to go. But they can only do it safely if they can stop properly. 

It’s easy to forget about your brakes—as long as they’re working. You don’t want a brake issue to appear in the middle of a drive. That’s why we recommend you invest in regular brake maintenance. By taking care of your brakes now, you’ll avoid bigger, potentially dangerous issues down the road. 

Discover everything you need to know about brake repair—when you need it, what to look out for, and how to maintain it in the long term. 

Why You Need to Care for Your Brakes Now

Brakes aren’t something you want to wait until they fail to fix. You should monitor and maintain them to keep them functional for as long as possible. And there are three important reasons why. 

1. Keep Everyone on the Road Safe

Every time you drive, you put your safety in the hands of your brakes. When you don’t prioritize brake repairs or maintenance, you could be driving an unsafe car. When your brakes have issues or even fail, you and everyone else on the road end up in a dangerous situation. Proper care helps you protect yourself and know your brakes are reliable and safe.

2. Reduce Car Repairs

Increased longevity will save you the money, time, and stress of being stuck without a vehicle for frequent repairs. A properly maintained set of brakes can last 70,000 miles, but without the right upkeep, they can decline to the point of failure in as little as 25,000 miles. And the brake pad replacement cost is a lot less than the repair you might need after brake failure. 

3. Increase Gas Mileage

Driving tests have shown that pressing your brakes harder can increase fuel consumption by up to 40%. Worn-down brake pads make you press the brakes harder to stop your vehicle. By repairing and replacing your brake pads, you can improve your gas mileage because you won’t have to push as hard to stop. 

Signs You Need Brake Repair

Often, before you experience complete brake failure, there are some signs that brake repair is needed. You’ll want to look out for the following: 

• It takes more effort to brake fully.
• You hear a clicking or grinding sound when you brake.
• The brake feels soft or gives too easily.
• Your car pulls to one side while braking.
• You need more space to come to a complete stop.
• Your brake service light is on—if it is, pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so. 

 

How Often Should You Replace Brake Pads?

If you’re dealing with one or more of these signs, it’s most likely your brake pads. To avoid frequent brake repairs, follow a regular brake pad replacement schedule. Most modern brake pads can last as long as 60,000 miles, but you’ll want an inspection every 15,000 to 20,000 miles to ensure there’s enough padding to keep your car functional. 

Taking Care of Your Brakes

So how do you make sure that your brakes are functioning properly? We’ve put together a list of key practices to keep your brakes in the best condition possible.

Maintenance 

• Inspect brake pads and rotors regularly (you can often pair this with an oil change) 
• Flush your brake fluid every two to three years
• Replace worn-out parts

 

Things to avoid

• Overloading weight in your car
• Driving in severe rain
• Late or heavy braking
• Using two feet to drive
• Neglecting to use the emergency brake, especially on hills

 

Put Safety First with City Auto Repair

At City Auto Repair, we care about your safety first and foremost. Our technicians will thoroughly inspect your vehicle and ensure it’s safe before we get you back on the road. Whether you just need some routine maintenance or are looking for a brake repair in Gainesville, FL, our team has you covered. 

 

Keep you and your family safe, and don’t delay on a brake service. Get in touch with City Auto Repair to schedule an appointment today!