How Often Should My Brakes Be Checked? | Mobile AL
How Often Should My Brakes Be Checked in Mobile, AL
Every time you drive your Lexus, your model’s brakes act as the first line of defense as you avoid hazards on the road ahead. However, when you postpone maintenance, you keep your brakes from doing their job effectively. Since components of this important system wear out over time, it’s important to have them serviced every 20,000 to 60,000 miles; otherwise, they won’t be able to slow and stop your car well, putting you and your passengers in danger. Want to know more about your vehicle’s brakes and why having them serviced here at Lexus of Mobile is important? Keep reading to learn more.
A Primer on Brakes.
All vehicles have braking systems that must be serviced regularly to keep them in good working order. These systems include components like brake lines, brake fluid, rotors and calipers. The brake fluid runs to the calipers through brake lines, so these lines need to be intact, with no leaks or areas of corrosion. Brake pads need to wear down evenly, rotors should have no cracks and brake fluid should be filled to the appropriate level (as stated by your owner’s manual). When you bring your vehicle to our service department, our technicians will check every aspect and function of your brakes to ensure they’re working properly.
Some of the most commonly replaced parts of the brake system are the brake pads. These pads are constantly used to help your car slow down and stop, which causes them to naturally wear down over time. They need to be at least a quarter of an inch thick in order to be effective, so have them checked regularly for your safety. If they’re too thin, they need to be replaced.
Location Matters.
If you regularly drive in heavy traffic, your brake pads may be thinning more quickly than they would otherwise. Stop-and-go traffic causes you to use your brakes far more often than you would if you were driving in a less congested area. If your schedule regularly requires you to navigate the roads at rush hour, consider having your brakes checked every 10,000 miles (or at each oil change).
Warning Signs.
Thankfully, the technology in your Lexus is engineered to keep you safe, warning you if your brakes need to be checked. If a dashboard light appears that signifies a brake issue, bring your vehicle in for a service appointment as soon as possible. You should also listen for high-pitched squeaking sounds when you brake, as these noises can indicate that your brake pads have worn down completely. The squeal comes from metal hitting metal — your calipers and rotors are grinding together whenever you brake. If you feel your car vibrating when you press the brake pedal, you may have an issue with your brake pads, and your rotors may be damaged. If you notice you have to press your brake pedal all the way to the floor in order to slow or stop, that could be a red flag as well. No matter what is concerning you about your brakes, it’s always best to be safe and have them checked out as soon as you can.
Be Smart. Be Vigilant. Be Safe.
Here at Lexus of Mobile, our customers are our main priority. Your safety comes first, and you can trust our team to ensure your car is safe to drive. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, and if it’s time to have your brakes checked, make your service appointment today. You’ll have extra peace of mind knowing that we always use genuine Lexus brake components to get your vehicle back in tip-top shape. Once service is complete, you’ll drive home feeling even more confident and secure in your vehicle.
If you think it’s time to get your brakes checked, schedule a service appointment today and bring your vehicle to Lexus of Mobile at 3024 Government Blvd, Mobile, AL 36606. We look forward to serving our customers from the Gulf Coast, Daphne and Spanish Fort.