Modern cars may get sleeker and safer every year, but one crucial component of your vehicle should always top your list of priorities: your brakes. New brakes last longer and perform better, but they still need regular maintenance and care for peak reliability. Here are few tips for keeping your brakes in great shape, with a little help from your local collision center. 

3 Ways to Take Good Care of Your Brakes

1. Get Them Visually Inspected Regularly 

Brakes are one of the few car parts that can visually show you when they need to be replaced. The best way to see your brakes is often to remove the front wheel, but if you’re not that mechanically inclined, have your collision center take a look when you go in for a tune-up or oil change. Brakes should be inspected every 10,000 miles or so to make sure brake pads aren’t worn, and the discs and calipers are still in good condition. If your brake pads start making a high-pitched squeal, it means they are wearing down, and it’s time for an inspection.

2. Check Your Brake Fluid

Checking your brake fluid is something your collision center will usually do during an oil change, but if you want to test yourself, there are a few things to remember. First, check your owner’s manual to see if you need to pump the brakes first. Second, brake fluid absorbs moisture in the air, so it’s essential not to leave the reservoir sitting open and make sure to get absolutely no dirt in the liquid. The brake fluid should come to about half an inch from the top. If the brake fluid looks dark in color, it might be time to have the entire system flushed. 

3. Drive With Some Distance

One of the best things you can do for your brakes is not put unnecessary pressure on them by regularly braking too hard or too fast. This prevents the brakes from experiencing too much friction that can wear them down and cause dangerous deterioration. When driving, be sure to keep a reasonable distance from traffic, so when you do brake, you’re able to do so smoothly and safely. Also, when you are in commuter traffic, pay attention to the cars in front of you so that you don’t have to brake quickly. This can keep your brakes working great in-between inspections. 

Branson Collision Center in Branson, MO, is a trusted family-owned and operated collision center serving the Tri-Lake area. Going to your local auto body shop shouldn’t feel like a battle. When it comes to auto body repair, frame repair, and dent removal, their collision technicians will give you fair, transparent prices, and quality work. For more information, call 417-335-3775 or visit them online today.