When it comes to maintaining your brakes, a few good habits will make all the difference. If you look after your brakes in the ways laid out here, you’ll stay safer on the road and spend less money on brake repair over the years. Read on to learn a few solid Chevy brake maintenance guidelines.
Maintain the Brake Fluid
The primary function of brake fluid is to transfer the stopping signal to each caliper whenever you press the brake pedal. If this fluid is low or leaking, hydraulic pressure will be lost inside the brake lines and the signal will travel less firmly. This makes your brakes spongy and less responsive, putting you at risk on the road.
To keep your brake fluid in great shape, inspect it frequently. Whenever it’s low, top it up. And you’ll need to flush and replace it completely every two or three years. Our technicians can do this for you.
Pay Attention to Strange Sounds
If your brakes ever emit an odd sound, don’t ignore it. A brief bit of squeaking might be water on the brake pads, which will soon disappear. But persistent squeaking means the pads are rusted or almost worn through. Other noises like grinding or clattering could point to problems with a rotor disc or caliper.
Respond Promptly to Signs of Trouble
Even a slight reduction in brake force reduces your ability to stop your car and puts you at risk of a collision. Sometimes brake faults cause the car to pull to one side when the brakes are applied. Leaking fluid creates a puddle under your car as well as making the brake pedal spongy.
Damaged rotors tend to generate vibrations that you might feel through the brake pedal. Overheating brakes can suddenly lose traction, robbing your car of stopping power. If your brakes start acting strangely in any way, pull over carefully and don’t drive again until the issue is resolved.
Brake and Accelerate Gently
Rather than constantly stamping your foot on the gas and then slowing with equally hard braking, it’s far better for the sake of your brakes and engine that you adopt more gentle driving habits. Try to accelerate more gently and only as much as necessary. When you know a stop is coming, release the gas and allow your car to coast, which will slow it without as much pressure required on the brakes.
Schedule Routine Chevy Brake Maintenance
The most important part of diligent brake upkeep is routine inspections. It’s advisable to have your brakes examined by a professional twice a year. That way, we can nip problems in the bud and help you avoid more costly brake faults and repairs.
Visit Heidebreicht Chevrolet in Washington Township, MI, for prompt brake servicing today. We provide top-notch cars and customer service, whatever your automotive needs might be.
