When you’re moments away from an on-road collision, your vehicle’s brakes are likely going to be the most essential component keeping you from an accident. But while brake systems have the incredible capacity to bring a car to a halt, they will wear with time and require you to fix or replace certain components. As strong supporters of preventive auto maintenance, Vito’s Auto Tech in Waterbury, CT, offers more insight on how often drivers should seek out brake repair and replacement.

Brake Service Basics

More Than Just Miles

Most routine auto maintenance follows a set schedule that’s easy to stick to. For example, oil changes are generally recommended about every 5,000 miles, while tire rotations should happen every six months. Brake service, on the other hand, can be a little a trickier to pin down.

The condition of your brake pads or rotors depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of car you own and how you drive it. You could have to replace pads anywhere from 20,000 to 70,000 miles since they were first installed. Similarly, rotor replacement could occur anywhere between 30,000 and 70,000 miles after they were installed.

Proactive Inspection

Since the recommended replacement schedule for essential brake components has such a wide range, using your mileage as a gauge may not be the most reliable way to keep things in check. Instead, it’s better to have a Vito’s Auto Tech mechanic inspect your brakes whenever you bring your car in for routine maintenance. For example, any time you get an oil change or tire service, ask the technician to give you an update on the condition of your pads and rotors. This insight can help you assess how they are wearing—or let you know if you’d be better off replacing them now rather than later.

Warning Signs

If you follow a strict tune-up schedule and get your brakes checked with every visit, you’ll likely be able to fix any major problems before they occur. However, it’s critical you don’t ignore warning signs that your car is in trouble. Some of the most common signs you may need brake repair include trouble coming to a stop, pedal vibrations, or abrasive squealing.

If these signs are ignored, your risk of severe damage increases dramatically. Without proper pad or rotor function, your brake system can face extensive—and expensive—damages that may entail complete replacement.  

Whether it’s time for a routine inspection or you’re noticing signs of trouble, Vito’s Auto Tech is a trusted mechanic that offers comprehensive brake services. Providing auto repair in Waterbury, CT, for more than 30 years, this crew has the expertise necessary to catch problems early and provide solutions you can count on. Visit the shop’s website to learn more about their complete auto services, or call (203) 755-0020  to speak to a mechanic about your vehicle’s brake repair needs.