Your brakes allow you to stop your vehicle, which is imperative for safe driving. Maintaining this system keeps you safe and helps you avoid damage that requires auto repair. Use the overview below to keep your car in top shape.

Why Do Brakes Require Maintenance?

Brakes involve a combination of mechanisms, including pads, rotors, calipers, and drums. Although they’re durable, the pads wear down a little each time you push your brake pedal, putting more stress on the other parts of the system. Over time, excessive wear makes it more difficult to push hard enough to come to a complete stop quickly. Worn pads also reduce fuel efficiency by forcing your vehicle to put in more effort to meet your demands.

Brake maintenance ensures you don’t put yourself and others in danger. It also helps you avoid damage to other brake mechanisms, preventing costly malfunctions that require auto repair.

How Can You Tell When You Need Brake Service?

A brake with worn pads emits high-pitched screeching or metal grinding sounds when you press the pedal. The pedal may also become less responsive, requiring harder and longer pushes to slow the car.

Yellowish or brownish liquid puddling beneath the vehicle could indicate a brake fluid leak. Since the fluid’s job is to keep systems lubricated, a leak can cause excessive friction and damage to the metallic components.

Even if there are no noticeable signs of brake wear, most vehicles need inspections and fresh brake fluid every two years or 20,000 miles.

If you need auto repairs, visit Craig’s Towing & Repair in La Crosse, WI. With over 20 years of experience, their technicians are certified by the Automotive Service Excellence (AAA) and are ready to ensure your brakes operate safely. If you experience braking problems, they also offer towing so you can reach their shop without endangering drivers. Call (608) 784-1638 to discuss your needs, or learn more about their work online.