The braking system is the most important system in your automobile. If your brakes fail, the result can be disastrous. Brakes system servicing involves renewing parts expected to wear in when your brakes are used properly. Most brake systems require servicing because the brakes are worn and you have warped rotors.

Common Problems:

Wear: The braking system does a lot of work. It is a very good idea to have your brakes checked every six months or when you suspect that there is a problem. Symptoms of worn brakes are squeaking, grinding or increases stopping distance.

Warped Rotors: Rotors warp due to being overheated or incorrect tightening of the wheel. A warped rotor will give a pulsing feeling when applying the brakes. This pulsing can be annoying and dangerous. Check with your mechanic to make sure that you can safely have the rotor machined or replaced with new rotors.

Here are some preventative maintenance tips:

• Avoid “riding” your brakes. It’s better to slow down with moderate pressure and then release the brakes to cool, rather than riding the brakes causing them to overheat.
  
• When on steep grades change to a lower gear so that you will not have to use your brakes much. When you shift to a lower gear your engine will do some of the braking and you will save your brakes a bit.
  
• Keep your wheels and braking system clean. Clean brakes work better.

When servicing your brakes there are a few things that you will need to discuss with your mechanic:

• Make sure that your mechanic cleans all the components of the brakes system and ensure that you get a dust free and squeak free job.
  
• All the bolts including lug nuts should have anti-seize compound on threads to prevent them from rusting fast.
  
• Have your mechanic use anti-squeak compound on the back of the brake pads. This keeps the pads from vibrating.
  
• You must insist on seeing the pads that they have removed from your automobile. There is no need to pay for something that didn’t need to be replaced in the first place.