Regular brake service is crucial to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers. Even though car owners understand the importance of maintenance for their vehicle, a busy life can cause you to forget service scheduling, and inadvertently neglect your brakes. 

How often should you get regular maintenance?

It's recommended to have your brakes checked at least once a year, or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. The easiest way to make sure you stay on top of it, is to include brake service into your annual car inspection. However, you may encounter issues with your brakes in-between check-ups that require immediate attention. 

4 Signs That It's Time to Have Your Brakes Services

1. Squeaking or grinding noise

If you hear a high-pitched squeaking or grinding noise when you apply the brakes, it's a sign that the brake pads are worn out.

2. Vibration

If you feel a vibration in the brake pedal when you apply the brakes, it's a sign that the brake rotors are warped.

3. Soft or spongy brake pedal

If the brake pedal feels "squishy" when you apply the brakes, it's a sign that there's air in the brake lines or a leak in the brake system.

4. Longer stopping distance

If your car takes longer to come to a complete stop than it used to, it's a sign that the brake pads are worn out or the brake system is not working properly.

The Risks of Neglecting Your Brakes

Delaying repair or replacement of your brakes can have an array of serious consequences. The risk of death or injury to you, your passengers, and others on the road, cannot be understated. Brakes need to be reliable and immediately responsive to avoid accidents on the road. Allowing your brakes to wear out can also increase the damage to related systems, as well as your tires. The longer you want to deal with any issues, the more expensive the repairs will be, and the more dangerous the potential consequences. 

Don't wait until it's too late to have your brakes checked. If you're experiencing any of the signs listed above, it's time to have your brakes serviced. Cottman Transmission & Total Auto Care in Woodbury Heights, NJ, is here to help. With years of experience, their team of experts can diagnose and repair any brake issue you may have. Call them today at (856) 845-0070, or visit their website, to schedule your brake service appointment.