Planning a road trip this summer? There’s a lot to do before you head out the door. 

At the top of the list is planning your route. You know where you’re going; how will you get there? The most direct route? Or with a bunch of side stops along the way? 

Don’t stop there. What will you do once you arrive at your destination? Where will you stay? What entertainment needs to be booked in advance?

All of this is the fun stuff. We choose vacation to get away, relax, and enjoy the company of those we love outside of the daily routine. 

But before you head out, there is one other task to include on your list: car inspection. If your car isn’t in good condition, you’re more likely to get stranded by the side of the road. And that isn’t a place you want to be with your family, a full car, in a location you might not be comfortable with. 

Why not handle it all before? 

Car Inspection – Brake Inspection

Imagine driving through rain and wind storms without windshield washer fluid. Your windshield is so dirty you can barely see – that’s not the safest way to drive. So you check the windshield washer fluid before you leave on your road trip to ensure you have enough for the drive. 

It can be blistering hot in some locations as you pass through. Is your car’s engine up for the job? Without ensuring your engine is in good condition, with coolant levels topped off, you might have an engine struggling to keep up. 

Your car’s safety isn’t something you should guess at. Just because you haven’t noticed a problem doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check it out. Whether you’re going a few hundred miles or all the way across the country, putting your car’s safety at the top of your planning list can give you peace of mind. 

Take your brakes as an example. Living here in Denver might take you into the high country from time to time. Imagine sailing down a hill without proper braking. You tap the brake pedal, and nothing happens. You press harder, and your brakes seem to give out. 

Imagine your stress levels then. 

But there is a way to stop that before your road trip. A simple visit to one of our mechanics will give you all the assurance you need to start out on your trip, knowing it’s one less thing you’ll have to consider along the way. 

Why Car Brake Inspection?

How old is your vehicle? How old is each individual brake part? It’s not something most drivers contemplate. And yet each part wears differently, and needs inspection or replacement over time. 

Brake pads have an average lifespan of 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Brake rotors last 50,000 to 70,000 miles. Brake drums can last 100,000 to 150,000 miles with proper maintenance. Brake shoes stick closer to the 30,000 to 70,000 miles guideline. 

Every car brake system uses brake fluid to keep it operational. It’s recommended that it’s replaced every 2 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

These are guidelines. They adjust based on your make and model. 

They also depend on driving conditions. Are you a defensive driver? Are dirt roads a part of your weekly routine? Have you purchased high-quality parts, or do you look for ways to save? 

In short, there isn’t a way to confidently tell you the condition of each part without an inspection. An inspection is the best place to start. 

What a Car Brake Inspection Looks Like

Everything is working well on your brake system today. Should you trust it for your road trip? 

The first thing you should ask yourself is: Am I willing to take a chance? 

Maybe you’re driving a few hundred miles – a tour of Colorado sites you’ve never seen before. Maybe you’re heading to the Midwest to visit family. Or maybe you’re doing a wild tour of multiple states – you’re already planning for many days in the car. 

Will your brakes be in the same condition when you return? If your brake pads already have 50,000 miles on them, will they still operate with multiple thousands more? 

There’s only one way to find out. Brake inspection. A mechanic will:

Check the brake pads and shoes. They will inspect the thickness of the brake pads or shoes, and if they are less than a quarter inch thick or getting close to that thickness, they may recommend you replace them before you head out on your trip. 

Listen for noises. This is something you can do too on your daily drive. Pay attention to any squeaking, squealing, or grinding noises as you apply the brakes. 

Feel for vibrations. Mechanics are highly sensitive to how the various systems work. By driving, they may notice vibrations or pulsation in the brake pedal or steering wheel. This could indicate warped rotors or other brake issues. 

Visual inspection of brake rotors and drums. Some things are only noticeable when you visually inspect them. A mechanic will look for any signs of scoring, grooves, or cracks on the brake rotors or drums. These should be smooth and free of significant wear. 

Check brake fluid levels and condition. There are recommended brake fluid levels for every make and model. It should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir. Brake fluid should be clear or light yellow, depending on what type of brake fluid was used. If it’s dark or dirty, it may need replacing. 

Mechanics will also look at the surrounding area to ensure there isn’t a brake fluid leak. This can compromise the braking system, and needs immediate attention. Brake lines and hoses should also be checked for any signs of wear, cracking, or corrosion. Damaged brake lines or hoses can lead to brake failure. 

It’s Road Trip Time!

Road trips can create memories that last a lifetime. Don’t let one of those memories be a challenging day that starts by spending time by the side of the road. It’s difficult any day in an emergency situation, more so when you’re on vacation. 

Need a reputable mechanic to help you out? Stop by or give us a call today. Our family-operated business is the perfect place to get in and out of quickly, and have you back on the road in plenty of time for your vacation. We look forward to serving you soon.