3 Reasons To Schedule More Frequent Brake Inspections

Have you looked through your car's owner's manual lately? If you're not in the habit of reading the maintenance section, then you may be surprised to learn that many manufacturers recommend frequent routine inspections. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, you may have recommended inspection intervals ranging anywhere from 20,000 up to 60,000 miles or more.

These inspections tend to be comprehensive and include mechanical and safety checks, but you shouldn't rely on these sometimes long service intervals for brake inspections. Instead, consider these three reasons why you should schedule a brake inspection at least twice per year.

1. Better Service Estimates

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to brake replacement. Since your brake pads and rotors are both sacrificial wear components, their replacement needs will vary based on your driving habits. Your brake pad material has an impact, too. Ceramic pads often offer the longest lifespan, while many other materials may wear out much sooner.

Your car's brake pad warning light can alert you when your pads are too thin, but by then, it's already time to schedule a replacement. Frequent inspections allow you to know the exact thickness remaining on your pads so that you can estimate when you'll need your next replacement. Your technician can also inspect your rotors, alerting you if you'll need to replace those during your next service appointment.

2. Early Problem Detection

Many brake problems cause minor driveability issues before they result in catastrophic failures, but this isn't universally true. Some failures can also cause only subtle symptoms, making them hard for untrained drivers to detect. Since your brakes are critical to your safety (and the safety of others) on the road, you should never allow problems to go undetected and unresolved.

Brake inspections provide you with the kind of early warnings you need to fix problems before they cause trouble on the road. Your inspection technician will check the condition of your brake lines, fluid, and calipers, all of which are essential to the proper operation of your vehicle's brakes.

3. Lower Repair Costs

It may seem as if more frequent inspections will ultimately increase your vehicle maintenance costs, but you're more likely to save money by discovering problems early. Many brake issues progress over time, eventually wearing out parts more quickly or even damaging non-wear components. Catching these problems before they get worse can potentially mean much lower repair costs over the long term.

While you should follow your manufacturer's recommended service schedule for most items, your brakes are one system where an overabundance of caution is warranted. Scheduling frequent inspections ensures that your brakes perform their best, keeping you as safe as possible at all times.

For more information, contact a brake inspection service.

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