When you purchase a car, you invest in freedom. Owning a car allows you to come and go as you please.
But owning a car takes more investment than buying an appliance for your kitchen. A toaster, mixer, or dishwasher work … until they don’t. Then you replace them and move on with your day.
You can’t do that with a car. Your vehicle has over 10,000 parts that make it operate smoothly and efficiently. If you don’t care for these parts along the way, they can wear down, break down, and leave you stranded.
Considering your car has thousands of parts, it’s difficult for anyone to track. Most understand that motor oil needs replacing around 3,000 miles. It’s a rule of thumb most car owners know. It’s on autopilot.
But what about the other fluids and systems? They tend to disappear – out of sight, out of mind.
Take your brakes, for example. Your brakes are one of the most vital systems on your vehicle. It contains dozens of parts, each of which needs maintenance throughout the years. When do your brake pads need replacing? Are the brake rotors in good shape? How about brake fluid? Get it wrong, and they might not work when you step on the brake pedal.
What is a car maintenance schedule and why should you calendar it?
When you own a car, maintenance becomes a part of the process. There are two ways of handling it: schedule, or as needed. When you schedule it, you catch things before they snowball. You fix minor issues before they become big problems. When you adhere to the as-needed method, your costs run higher as you only fix things when they completely break down.
Creating a car maintenance schedule is the easiest way to stay on track. If you calendar it, you’ll take the guesswork out of when certain maintenance items should be performed. Think of it in the same manner as you do your motor oil changes, and base it on regular intervals throughout the year.
When was the last time you sat down and flipped through your vehicle’s owner’s manual? If you’re not even sure where it is, it’s time to find it. Manufacturers create an owner’s manual to provide requirements for your vehicle’s critical components. They spell out each system, the various inspections, and replacements needed over the life of the car. Because they created the car, they are the most aware of how each system is designed to last. Using the owner’s manual, you can calendar the most important systems, knowing when you should bring your car in for inspection.
Some systems move to the top of your list … like the brake system
A car’s brake system is a complicated system of components that work together to give you control over your vehicle while you drive, and provide safety features to ensure you and your passengers remain safe inside. If the components work well together, your brake system will operate efficiently. If any part starts to wear down, failure can occur, causing an accident.
Like other systems on your car, the brake system is a fairly straightforward mechanism. It starts by pressing down on the brake pedal inside your car. This releases brake fluid and moves it into a piston, which generates enough force to be able to squeeze a caliper against the car’s wheels, slowing the car down until eventually, it comes to a stop. This pressure between the pistons and the calipers causes friction, which helps control the speed of the wheels.
Of course, a brake system is made up of more than just pistons and calipers. It’s only the start of the various components that make up the braking system. Other issues can originate with the following:
Master cylinder – this is where hydraulic fluid is pushed down into the brake lines using fluid from the brake reservoir.
Brake rotor – also known as disk brakes, each wheel uses a rotor that spins while the vehicle is in motion. The caliper rubs against the rotor to create the necessary friction to control the wheel.
Brake drum – this is the alternative to disk brakes, where the drum spins while a brake shoe moves inside to cause friction when you step on the brake pedal.
Brake pad – the brake pad is attached to the caliper, creating friction as it connects with the rotor. It can be made from different materials, one of the most commonly replaced items on the braking system.
Brake caliper – a clamp that provides force as it pushes the brake pad against the rotor using hydraulic pressure.
Brake shoe – the alternative to the brake pad, used in brake drum systems.
Brake pedal – this is the pedal inside your vehicle.
Brake lines – brake lines transfer brake fluid between the master cylinder and the wheels.
Wheel sensors – on an anti-lock braking system, wheel sensors are used to detect how fast each wheel is spinning. When these sensors determine the four wheels are spinning at different rates when you slam on the brakes, it uses speed variation to take control over brake pressure and bring your car to a safe, controlled stop.
ABS monitor – this is a computerized mechanism for controlling your braking system. It’s what tracks and controls the wheel speed sensors.
Calender your brake maintenance to stay safe
While your car’s manufacturer will have specific guidelines, on average, the various components of the braking system will only last so many miles.
- Brake pads – between 20,000 and 65,000 miles
- Brake rotors – between 30,000 and 70,000 miles
- Brake calipers – between 75,000 and 100,000 mile
- Brake drums – about 200,000 miles
- Brake shoes – about 35,000 miles
- Brake lines – every 5 to 10 years
- ABS wheel sensors – between 30,000 and 50,000 miles
As each of these components begins to wear down, they give you ample warning before they fail. You may notice strange noises, such as screeching or squealing. A deep grinding sound is a metal sensor feature put into brake pads to alert you to wearing down. The car may pull to one side or the other if one of the brakes is malfunctioning and in need of repair.
Paying attention to how your car operates is the best way to alert you to potential problems. When you notice a change, bring your car in and have one of our technicians inspect it, making the necessary repairs to keep you safe.