Is It Time to Replace Your Chevy’s Brake Pads?

A car’s braking system is one of the most important things to keep up to date to ensure your ultimate safety on the road. How do you know when it’s time to replace those essential brake pads? Stopping by your local Chevy dealer on a routine basis will help you stay on track with all of your braking needs. Here are a few things you can keep an eye out for that signal brake maintenance may be required.

Unpleasant Noise

When it comes to your brakes, any noise is usually bad news. If your Chevy makes any grinding, squeaking, or clicking sounds, it’s safe to say the braking system is in need of a tune-up. Try not to ignore these indicators as they are usually one of the first and most obvious signs of trouble.

Car Shakes

You want to control the direction of your car, not the other way around. If a car’s steering wheel vibrates, shakes, or veers to one side while braking, the pads most likely need replacing. The same school of thought goes if your car takes longer to come to a complete stop. A healthy braking system shouldn’t require any extra driving effort.

High Mileage

On average, pads are to be replaced every 50,000 miles for most vehicles. However, it is best to check them every 25,000 miles. Keeping track of how far you have driven since your last service guarantees premium safety while driving. This is especially true if you are prone to taking long road trips or have a lengthy commute. The mileage can add up quickly before you know it.

Thin Appearance

Stay familiar with the appearance of healthy brakes. No dust should be present. The exterior pads need to be at least ¼ inch thick. Anything under that and your braking system is not functioning at its full potential. You can easily perform this check yourself since the pads can be seen through your car wheels. Don’t worry; you don’t need to be a pro mechanic as this does not require disassembling your vehicle.

Leaks

If fluid is leaking from the brakes, this is a major sign service needs to be done. It could be the pads or other braking system parts, including the caliper and rotors. Occasionally, occurrences like these will trigger a brake malfunction indicator light to come on, so be on the lookout. Remember, early detection will help save you money on expensive repairs.

Keeping your eyes, ears, and instincts aware of your car’s performance are just some of the responsible things you can do as an owner. Visit us at Jennings Chevrolet in Glenview, IL for a brake check-up today. Our expert technicians will perform high-quality service on your vehicle. Also, feel free to pop by Jennings for oil changes or tire and battery assistance. We pride ourselves on making sure you and your Chevy are hitting the road as safely as possible.

Tags: brake pad replacement, chevy brake service
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