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trouble without brake maintenance

The Importance of Brake Maintenance for Your Vehicle

Your brakes are one of the most, if not THE most, important piece of equipment in your car. Without brakes, you’re looking at a very dangerous situation. In order to keep your brakes in good working order, you should have maintenance done on a regular basis to avoid expensive brake repair. Here’s what you need to know.

Listen to What Your Brakes Have to Tell You

You can often tell what shape your brakes are in by listening for sounds they make when you press the pedal down. Squeaking noises can mean there’s friction from the brake lining. In extreme conditions, this could lead to damage to your brake pads, lining, drums and rotors. Grinding noises could be because your brake pads are worn. Metal grating against metal can damage rotors and drums. Healthy brakes should be absolutely silent. If they’re not, you should bring your car to a professional where they can decide if you need clutch brake replacement or brake repair.

How Do Your Brakes Feel?

Does your Subaru pull to one side when you put on the brakes? This could mean a damaged brake line or worn or uneven brake linings. The drag could also be caused by contaminated fluid or be an indication that you need to get your brakes adjusted. Also, if you have to pump your brakes in order to stop, a brake adjustment may be in order. Pumping can be the result of a leaky brake system or air in the brake lines too. These can cause your brake pedal to sink to the floor when you are at a stop sign.

What Do Your Brakes Need?

You should have your brake pads inspected for wear and tear at least once a year under normal driving conditions. If the pads have 1/8-inch or less remaining, they should be replaced to prevent damage to the rotor or other parts of your brake system. If your pads look okay, you should have them replaced every 25,000 miles as they begin to wear down with use and age. Brake fluid should be checked with your regular brake inspection and replaced every 30,000 miles or two years.

Remember, an annual brake inspection is important, but taking your car in for repair at the first sign of trouble is equally vital. Listen to those brakes and take immediate notice if they start to drag. If you think you need a clutch brake replacement or other brake work, bring your Subaru to the Subaru Clinic.

Contact Subaru Clinic today to schedule an appointment for brake repair and maintenance!