How Often Should My Brakes Be Checked? | Kennesaw GA | Near Marietta, Acworth & the Greater Atlanta Area

A Primer on Brakes.

Brakes found in modern vehicles are usually disc brakes. When you press your brake pedal, a set of calipers, equipped with pads, squeezes a rotor (the disc). The pads create friction with the rotor to slow your vehicle. It's a hydraulic system that depends on a regular flow of brake fluid.

If a single part isn't functioning properly, the entire system could fail. The usual culprits of poor braking performance, however, are your brake pads. They should be at least a quarter of an inch thick. The pads wear down over time and, if not changed, can cause more expensive problems, like a damaged rotor.

Location Matters.

Congested areas are worse than others when it comes to traffic. Crowded roads demand a lot of stopping, starting, slowing and veering. That means your brakes have their work cut out for them. It also means your brakes will likely need servicing sooner than a vehicle used mainly in, say, a flat rural area.

Keeping that in mind, it's always a smart idea to have your brakes checked whenever you have your tires rotated -- usually every six months. If you're more of an aggressive driver, you may want to have them looked at more frequently than that, such as with every oil change. It's also essential that you pay attention to what your brakes might be trying to tell you between your regular servicing intervals.

Warning Signs.

If your brake light illuminates, then it's time to have your brakes checked. Additionally, if you notice it's taking longer to come to a complete a stop, you should have your brakes examined as soon as possible. You may also notice a vibrating sensation when applying your brakes. That generally indicates a brake pad issue, though it could also point to an alignment problem.

Many brakes are supplied with a built-in indicator that's made to squeal or screech when the pads are wearing thin. While the sound is irritating, it can save you a chunk of change down the road. That's because if you change your pads when you're supposed to, you won't have to hear that metal-on-metal sound. When you do notice that sound, it's because your pads have worn down completely and your calipers are now grinding against your rotors whenever you press your brake pedal. It can turn an inexpensive fix into an expensive one.

Be Smart. Be Vigilant. Be Safe.

At Cobb County Toyota, we're committed to supplying our customers with more than a stellar selection of vehicles -- we aim to provide them with impeccable service, as well. That commitment goes beyond our showroom to also include our service department. Ultimately, we want to ensure that you and your loved ones arrive safely to every destination. That equals your brakes being in good shape. You can count on your friends at Cobb County Toyota to take care of that for you.