Should You Get A Brake Inspection If Your Brakes Still Work?

Brake inspections serve numerous purposes. In addition to alerting you to the brewing trouble, they can also help you better understand your brake wear so you can choose the most cost-effective time to replace them. Unfortunately, many people wait to get a brake inspection until it's too late, potentially driving for long periods with hazardous braking issues.

You should always have your brakes inspected anytime you notice a change in brake performance or unusual noises from your brakes. However, routine brake inspections, even when everything seems fine, can still be valuable.

Why Do Routine Inspections Matter?

Your technician will check a variety of braking components during a standard braking inspection. These include, but aren't necessarily limited to, your calipers, rotors, brake pads, and brake hoses. Although these parts aren't all wear items, many can fail due to age or other problems. A careful inspection can reveal signs of trouble before they become hazardous.

Remember that not all braking problems come with obvious symptoms. Worn brake hoses are an excellent example. Brake hoses sometimes deteriorate from the inside, leading to restrictions. They can also crack along the exterior and eventually begin to leak. An inspection can reveal either of these problems before they cause a catastrophic braking failure.

An inspection will also help you to estimate how much life your brake pads and rotors have left. The technician will measure both pad and rotor thickness, both of which provide helpful information even if it isn't yet time for a replacement. Once you know how much thickness your pads have left, you can roughly estimate when you'll need to schedule a brake job.

How Often Should You Schedule an Inspection?

You should consider scheduling a brake inspection at least once in between regular brake jobs. If you replace your brake pads every 3-4 years, it's worth scheduling brake inspections at least every 1-2 years. Many drivers also opt to perform brake inspections along with other routine services. For example, tire rotations provide an excellent opportunity to inspect your brakes.

Like many preventative maintenance items, the exact schedule you follow is usually less important than committing to a plan in the first place. It's entirely valid for you to inspect your brakes during tire rotations, at set mileage intervals, or every few years. Whichever option you choose, you'll be taking a critical step to ensure your own safety and the safety of other motorists.

For more information, contact a local auto shop, like Escondido Auto Tech.

Share