Your car's brakes are vitally important to your overall safety when you drive. That is why it is important to understand how to take care of your vehicle's brake system.

1. Continually Check Brake Pads and Rotors

You should check your brake pads and rotors regularly, as they make up the heart of your vehicle's brake system. In addition, you can have your mechanic do a quick visual inspection when you bring your vehicle in for other routine maintenance, such as an oil change. You can also schedule a yearly brake inspection.

Pay attention to signs that your brake pads and rotors are getting worn down. Generally, your brake pads and rotors will start to make a squeaking sound as they wear down. This is natural and is part of the way they are built so that you have a warning that the brake pads need to be replaced. Often, when the brake pads need to be replaced, so do the rotors.

2. Get Your Brake Fluid Flushed

Your brake fluid is a self-contained system. Therefore, it shouldn't leak, but that doesn't mean that the fluid stays perfect forever. Over time, your brake fluid can attract moisture, damaging the overall brake system and resulting in the brake fluid not working properly.

That is why it is important to get your brake fluid flushed. This should be every few years or when you reach the mileage recommended for this task for your vehicle. Flushing the brake fluid involves removing all the old brake fluid, running new fluid through the system, and removing that as well to get rid of contaminants. Then, fill up the brake lines with new fluid.

3. Get the Brake Lines Bled

In addition to getting your brake lines flushed, you should also get them bled. Bleeding your brake lines is the name for the process of releasing air that gets trapped in your brakes. This is a simple task that should be done during your yearly brake inspection every few years.

4. Take Care of Your Brakes

You should be careful with how you use your brakes. Try to avoid heavy and late-breaking, aiming for smooth braking whenever possible. Also, avoid carrying too much weight in your vehicle, as that can put unnecessary strain on various components, including your brakes.

Your brakes are vital to your car's safe function. That is why you need to keep an eye on the state of your brake pads and rotors, flush your brake lines and bleed them when needed, and get regular brake inspections.

For more information, contact a local brake service.

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