News

When Should I Service My Brakes?

Unlike routine services, such as oil changes and tire rotations, brake maintenance lacks a standardized mileage interval. Instead, it's recommended that you have your brakes checked when you have services performed that involve removing the wheels, such as during a tire change, wheel balance, or tire rotation.

When brake service recommendations are given, they tend to range anywhere from 25,000–80,000 miles due to factors that include the vehicle make and model, your driving habits, the environment, and the quality of the brake parts installed (as well as who you ask). While understandable, this isn't helpful if you're looking for a specific mileage or time interval for brake service.

What you should do is have your brakes checked every so often and keep alert for signs that it's time to find a brake mechanic.

You may need a brake repair if you:

• Hear a persistent squealing noise when braking
• Hear a grinding sound when you apply the brakes or when braking hard
• Feel vibrations in the steering wheel
• Notice the brake pedal is spongy (the pedal sinks under your foot with little firmness)
• Experience the vehicle pulling to one side when braking
• Experience an increase in the time it takes to bring your vehicle to a stop

It's never a bad idea to have a brake inspection performed if you're uncertain about the condition of your vehicle's brake system. Any time your vehicle is operating irregularly, it's worth contacting and automotive service center to take a look.

Brake Pad & Rotor Service Options

When we talk about brake service, outside of brake inspections and changing the brake fluid, it's often in relation to the brake pads and rotors. These two parts wear out over time from normal operation of your vehicle.

Typically, motorists go with one of three options when servicing these brake parts: 

Brake Pad Replacement
Replacing the brake pads alone is not recommended. While you might run across someone who goes with this option, it is a minimal approach that fails to address the condition of the brake rotors. Brake rotors that have imperfections (which isn't uncommon after many miles of driving), they can create grooves in the newly installed brake pads, leading to brake noises and vibrations while increasing the rate of wear of the brake pads. Instead, consider resurfacing the brake rotors or replacing them (more on both of those options below).

Brake Pad Replacement & Rotor Resurfacing
Another option is to resurface the rotors (also known as turning rotors or machining rotors) and replace the brake pads. Resurfacing restores a smooth surface to the rotors. However, it is important to note that brake rotors have a minimum thickness threshold at which time they require replacement. Resurfacing removes some thickness, so if the brake rotors are close to their replacement point, it's advised that you replace both the brake pads and rotors together.

Brake Pad Replacement & Rotor Replacement
This is the most comprehensive brake service option. Replacing both the brake pads and brake rotors guarantees enhanced  brake performance and safety.

At Tire Tech and Auto Repair Center. we are running a brake special (as of this article's publishing date) you won't want to miss.

Get any complete front or rear brake repair in Oakland, NJ for $50 when you also purchase new rotors from us.

I Need an Oakland, NJ Brake Mechanic

Looking for a brake repair shop in Oakland? Entrust your vehicle to Tire Tech and Auto Repair Center. Our brake mechanics will inspect your brakes and perform the brake maintenance and repair services you need, from changing the brake fluid to readjusting the parking brake to complete front and rear brake service.

Schedule a visit at one of our convenient locations serving Oakland, New Jersey and surrounding areas!