Apr 12, 2024

Your brakes are an essential component of ensuring your safety when you drive. However, people often neglect routine brake maintenance, sometimes leading to necessary expensive repairs. Today, we’re looking at the importance of scheduling a routine brake inspection at your local Mazda dealer in Vancouver, WA.

The Importance of a Routine Brake Inspection for Your MazdaDisc brake of the vehicle for repair, in process of new tire replacement. Car brake repairing in garage. Close up. | Vancouver, WA

Safety is the most compelling reason for having your brakes inspected regularly at your local Mazda dealer. When your brakes are inspected, problems can be identified and corrected before your brake performance becomes so poor that an accident occurs. Furthermore, when brake problems are quickly identified, they can be fixed before expensive repairs are required.

For example, if your brake pads are worn out, you can replace them before you need to buy new brake rotors and other components that have a diminished useful life. Additionally, your vehicle will perform far better if your brakes are in good working condition. You won’t have to worry about:

  • Warped rotors
  • Bumpy rides
  • Rough deceleration
  • Poor handling
  • Longer braking distances
  • Poor stopping power
  • Brake system failures

How Often Should I Have My Brakes Checked?

Generally, you should have your brakes inspected every six months when you come in for your tire rotation. However, if you drive aggressively, you should have your brakes checked every few months when you get your oil changed.

What Signs Indicate I Should Come in for an Inspection of My Brakes Sooner?

Illuminated Brake Light

One sign that you should come in to have your brakes inspected even if it has been fewer than six months since your last inspection is an illuminated brake light on your dashboard.

Decreased Stopping Power

You also should schedule an appointment to have your brakes inspected as quickly as possible if it takes you longer than it used to for your vehicle to come to a complete stop.

Vibrations When Braking

Another sign that you should schedule an inspection for your brakes is feeling vibrations when you ​apply your brakes. There is a chance that this is caused by an alignment problem, but it is more ​likely that there is something wrong with your brake pads.

Strange Noises When Braking

You should schedule an inspection for your brakes as soon as possible if your vehicle makes odd noises when you apply your brakes. For ​example, when your brake pads are ​extremely ​worn, ​you may ​hear such sounds as squeals. ​Replacing your brake pads can prevent the need to replace your calipers and rotors.

Having your brakes inspected regularly is important for many reasons. Properly functioning brakes make driving safer, and preventative maintenance will drastically delay the need for expensive repairs. To schedule an appointment, contact us now at Alan Webb Mazda in Vancouver, WA.