Car maintenance is essential, especially when the weather starts to turn. With snow and ice forecast over the festive period you can’t afford to neglect your brake care.
How To Know When To Get Your Car Checked
When to get my brakes checked?
Often it is recommended that your pads are replaced if the pad friction material has worn down to 3millimetres or less. Break disk thickness can be measured by your local garage. If they’re at the minimum thickness specification they’ll need to be replaced.
If you drive in mainly urban areas such as London, Birmingham or Newcastle you’re going to need to replace your brake pads or shoes more often than drivers on rural highways. Regardless of your destination if you’re going door-to-door or on a long trip this winter, your brakes are essential. They can ensure that you stop in the quickest and safest manner possible if necessary.
Brakes in Brentwood
If you’re looking to get your car brakes serviced in Brentwood or the surrounding areas, visit Jet Wheel Tyres. If you’re wondering where you’ve heard of Brentwood before, it’s the location of TV programme TOWIE. So have absolutely faith that the guys at Jet Wheel Tyres can look after your brakes regardless if you drive a Fiat 500, Range Rover or even a Lambo.
How to know when my brakes need replaced?
Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut schedule that tells you when it’s time to replace the brakes. It is recommended that most vehicles should have their tyres rotated every 6-8 months. And with this the brakes should be inspected as well. Mechanics are able to check the thickness of the pads. The condition of the callipers or general wear and tear.
Many cars have built-in sensors which scrape against the brake disk when they pads need replacing. If this is the case you will hear an annoying screeching sound when applying the brakes. Or when the brakes are released on some vehicles.
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Some cars are now made with electronic wear indicators that alert the driver with a dashboard warning if the pads reach minimum thickness. This feature typically comes on luxury cars. Therefore it’s better to rely on regular brake maintenance inspections such as the ones provided by Jet Wheel Tyres in Brentwood than to assume the car has your back.
What else should you check?
It goes without saying, in icy weather you need to make sure you have a few blankets in the boot of your car. Just in case the unthinkable happens and you brake down. As well as this, ensure you keep a supply of screen defroster on hand. Make sure you use screen wash that his anti-freeze mixed in to help with those frosty windows. Do make sure you keep your fuel levels topped up too as you don’t want to be running out of petrol in this cold weather. Alongside keeping your oil and engine coolant at the right levels.
In conclusion, maintaining your car’s brakes is not just a routine check-up task; it’s a critical safety measure, especially during the harsh winter months. As temperatures drop and roads become icy, the functionality of your brakes becomes paramount. Remember, while some modern vehicles are equipped with wear indicators to alert you when brake replacements are necessary, not all do, and these systems should not be solely relied upon. Proactive maintenance is essential.
Services like those offered by Jet Wheel Tyres in Brentwood provide professional inspections that ensure your brakes are in optimal condition, giving you peace of mind during your winter travels. Additionally, as you prepare for winter driving, don’t overlook other essentials such as blankets, screen defroster, anti-freeze screen wash, and maintaining adequate fuel levels. Taking these steps will help ensure your vehicle is prepared for the cold, keeping you safe on the roads and preventing unexpected breakdowns.
