Brake Care 101: Five Common Questions Asked & Answered

Colorado Springs is the biggest city in the state when measured by area. That gives those of us living here plenty of room to stretch out and get comfortable, but it also means that we can end up driving pretty long distances every day, even if we tend to stay in town for work, errands, and fun. If your vehicle gets a lot of use, it’s all the more important to take good care of it. That means keeping up with your oil changes and tire rotations, and it also means getting regular service for important systems like your brakes.

If you’re looking for quality brake service in Colorado Springs, then our certified technicians here at Faricy Chrysler Jeep can certainly help you out. Having a trusted service center in your corner is an important part of vehicle maintenance, but it’s also vital to know how often you need to take your vehicle in and what signs of trouble you should keep an eye out for. In this guide, we’ll answer five commonly asked questions about brakes. We’re going to stick to general guidelines so that our answers will be relevant to you, no matter what type of vehicle you drive. If you ever have a more specific question about your particular situation, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

#1. How Often Should I Have My Brakes Checked?

As a driver, it’s easy to understand the importance of keeping a vehicle’s brakes in good working order. It’s vitally important for your braking system to be completely reliable and fast-acting. Because of this, it’s a good idea to get your brakes checked about every six months or at least once a year, even if you haven’t noticed anything strange or troubling.

Now we know that there are plenty of busy people in our community. You don’t have to go to the Olympic Training Center to find hard-working people in Colorado Springs who value convenience and don’t want to have their precious time wasted. Luckily, you don’t have to come in for just a single service. You can get your vehicle (including your brakes) inspected when you come in for an oil change, tire rotation, or other routine maintenance, which helps you save time without compromising your safety on the road.

We also go the extra mile to make our service department as efficient and convenient as possible here at Faricy Chrysler Jeep. Our online scheduling tool is available 24/7 and lets you choose an appointment time that works for you. We also offer early bird drop-off, Saturday service, and rentals. If you decide to stay at the dealership during your service, you can use our free WiFi to stay connected and productive while you wait.

#2. What Are the Common Warning Signs of Brake Issues?

On top of bringing your vehicle in for an inspection regularly, you should also get service right away if you notice any problems with your brakes. This is true at all times of year but especially important during our snowy Colorado winters. If you notice any issue or irregularity with your brakes, you should always err on the side of caution and get it checked out ASAP. Here are a few common indicators that signal that you need to have your brakes serviced:

• Indicator lights or automatic warnings are the most obvious signs that you should bring your vehicle in for service. Don’t delay when these signals appear, even if you don’t notice anything different about your vehicle. Schedule service immediately.
• Strange noises like squeaking or clicking can mean that components of your braking system, like pads or shoes, have worn down too far and need to be replaced.
• Fluid leaking could mean that you need new brake fluid. While there are other fluids that can leak from your vehicle (like motor oil or transmission fluid), any leaking is likely a sign of an issue that needs to be addressed.
• Smelling something burning while braking is likely a sign of overheating.
• Soft and hard brakes can both be signs of trouble. When working normally, your brakes should offer some resistance but also have some give. If they feel too stiff or you’re bringing the brake pedal all the way down to the floor when coming to a typical stop, then you should get your brakes checked.
• Vibrating, juddering, or pulling to one side while braking are all serious causes for concern.

#3. How Often Should Brakes Be Replaced?

Speaking generally, brakes can last up to 50,000 miles before they need to be replaced, but the lifespan of your brakes is highly dependent not only on your vehicle but also on your driving style. If you’re a commuter who’s often navigating stop-and-go traffic, then that can wear your brakes down pretty quickly, compared to a driver on the outskirts of town who tends to do most of their driving on I-25 or other freeways when traffic is flowing more freely. If you have a Jeep and like to head out into the Rockies for some off-road action, then that can also affect your brakes.

If that sounds complicated, don’t worry. Just make sure that you bring your vehicle in for an inspection at least once a year. The technician doing the inspection can point out any components that need to be replaced, and you can take care of it at that time.

#4. Is It Better to Replace or Resurface Warped Rotors?

If your braking system gets overheated, then your rotors may warp, which can cause serious issues, especially if it’s left unchecked for a while. One common sign of warped rotors is the brake pedal vibrating when you use it. There are two ways to fix the issue of a warp: resurface the rotors or replace them. If both options are on the table, then you’ll probably want to opt for resurfacing, as it’s less expensive, less wasteful, and perfectly safe, but sometimes resurfacing isn’t a viable option since each rotor can only be safely resurfaced a finite number of times. Generally, there’s a visible mark put in by the manufacturer that makes it easy for technicians to know when resurfacing is possible and when it’s unsafe.

#5. What Can I Do to Keep My Brakes in Good Condition?

Even if you’re a perfect driver, your brakes will need some service eventually. Parts like brake pads simply aren’t built to last forever and will naturally wear down over time, whether you’re cruising all over El Paso County or just sticking to your local neighborhood. However, there are some things that you can do to make your brakes last as long as possible before needing to be repaired or replaced.

The first tip is to keep a safe following distance between you and the car in front of you. You want to give yourself plenty of time to react if you see brake lights ahead of you, so you can avoid slamming on the brakes, which can put more strain on your rotors and pads. Of course, if there’s an emergency, then you should definitely do what’s necessary in order to avoid a collision, but if you give yourself a good cushion of space, it should be easier to coast slowly to a stop most of the time.

You should also be aware of the type of vehicle you’re driving and adjust your driving style accordingly. When judging how much space you need, keep the size of your vehicle in mind. Heavy trucks and SUVs need more braking distance than more lightweight cars. If you drive a vehicle with automatic transmission, then you should be driving with one foot. Using two feet (one for the brakes and one for the acceleration) can lead to unnecessary wear and tear.

Finally, make sure to get your brakes inspected regularly, and if you need service, get it taken care of right away. Ignoring problems can make them even worse and potentially more expensive over time. No matter what type of vehicle you have, our expert technicians here at Faricy Chrysler Jeep service department can keep you safe behind the wheel for many miles to come.