How Often Should You Get Routine Brake Service?

The most important safety feature in your Chevy is your braking system. No matter the quality of your car and its parts, poorly-maintained brakes will eventually lose effectiveness, putting you and your passengers at risk. This is why routine brake service is so important. Read on to learn how often you should be visiting your local Chevy dealer to have your brakes inspected.

Every 18,000 Miles

The average recommended interval for brake inspection is once every 18,000 miles. But many drivers prefer to keep a simple schedule of once per year, which you can couple with your yearly engine diagnostic. This is usually sooner than 18,000 miles, but when it comes to your brakes, safe is better than sorry.

Rust, Dust, and Corrosion

Your braking mechanism is filled with metal parts that are susceptible to corrosion. Rain, snow, and humidity will eventually lead to rust, unless your brakes are taken apart and cleaned every now and then. So if you live in a colder, wetter environment, you might want to consider having your brakes examined more often.

Over time, another threat to your brakes is dirt. All kinds of dirt and debris can get stuck in the caliper and other brake components. So if you live in a hotter, drier, dustier environment, or if you frequently drive on unpaved roads, then you should also take greater care of your brakes, and of your vehicle at large.

Rougher Road Conditions

Ordinarily, brake pads are the quickest parts to wear down in your braking system, followed by the rotors. Every time you brake, your pads clamp onto the rotors, slowing and bringing your car to a halt. The more you use your brake pedal, the quicker your brake pads and rotors wear down and the more often you should have them checked by a technician.

Rougher road conditions for brakes include hilly terrain with winding roads and plenty of downhill stretches, which require a lot of braking. Pressure is also put on your brakes by heavy traffic with plenty of stops and starts, such as a typical, busy urban commute. If you drive under either of these conditions, consider more frequent brake checkups.

Indicators of Brake Issues

Always keep an eye out for signs of brake trouble. Leaking brake fluid can be a major problem as this fluid maintains the hydraulic pressure that allows the pads to clamp the rotors so firmly. Brake fluid is yellow or brown in color, so if you notice any such liquid pooling under your car, don’t ignore it.

Other indicators of brake problems include squealing sounds, which point to worn-out brake pads, and any sudden loss of braking power, which suggests your rotors are overheating. If your onboard computerized monitors ever detect trouble with your braking system, a “check brakes” light will flash up on your dashboard. If you see this light, pay heed to the warning.

Inspection Steps at Your Chevy Dealer

When you take in your Chevy for routine inspection, the technician will first check your brake fluid levels. They’ll examine the various hoses and connections of the braking mechanism under the hood. They’ll then raise your vehicle and do the same under the undercarriage. And then they’ll remove the wheels and all the braking components to carefully inspect the pads, rotors, pistons, and calipers.

Have a thorough brake inspection conducted on your car today at Champion Chevrolet. We’re a locally-owned and operated dealership that’s been the number one Chevrolet dealership in Tennessee for eight years in total. Come and enjoy our world-class service to find out why.