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After seatbelts and airbags, brakes are the most important safety devices found in modern vehicles. They are also some of the easiest to maintain. As they used to say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, if you put a little effort into curbing a problem today, you may not have to pay dearly for it in the future. How Often Automotive experts recommend at least two brake inspections each year. These can be completed by the vehicle's owner or a qualified mechanic during auto service. The purpose of these biannual inspections is to catch any damage before it becomes too extensive. Because brakes wear down over time, fixing a small problem today can save motorists big bucks in the future. Where To Begin Inspecting the brakes of most modern vehicles is a breeze. If your car or truck has alloy wheels with spaces in them, you may be able to examine them by simply looking through the holes in the hubcaps. (If not, you may have to remove the wheel.) What are you looking for? Modern automobiles use disc brakes on all four wheels. These discs should be shiny, smooth, and uniform. All discs experience wear and tear, so it's not a problem if there are small lines on them. However, if there are deep grooves or rough, uneven spots, it may be time to have them replaced. Because braking relies on partnership, it is important to replace these discs in pairs. Check The Pads When it comes to braking costs, the most common problem is worn-out brake pads. Since these automotive components absorb most of the force whenever you stop, they tend to wear down rather quickly. Often made of steel wool, pads are easy enough to spot because they actually touch the discs. According to most mechanics, if the pad is 1/8th of an inch or thinner, it should be replaced. Failing to do so could result in damage to the discs or rotors. As you might imagine, replacing the pads during auto service is far cheaper than replacing the actual discs. Once again, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! See Your Mechanic ASAP Even if you do your own inspections, we do not recommend replacing automotive pads or discs on your own. Always remember that brakes are complicated devices, and installing something incorrectly could put you and your passengers at risk. It may also damage your vehicle. Contact a qualified mechanic immediately if you have any issues with your braking system. Regular inspections and auto service can help keep your car's braking system in tip-top shape. Extra attention can also save you a fortune in automotive repair costs over the life of your vehicle. To learn more about their options for auto service, Wallingford residents should visit http://www.safeautoct.com/.
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