Safe driving means safe brakes. If your car doesn’t stop as quickly and safely as possible, your chances of getting into a car crash skyrocket. There may be a lot of obstacles on the road, including negligent, drunk, and inattentive drivers. Keep your brakes in tip-top shape to help prevent an accident.
Check Brake Safety
If you are not sure when to replace your pads or fluid, a good rule of thumb is to inspect your brakes for wear about every 12,000 miles.
Look at your brake pads. The brake pad should be at least 1/4 inches thick. If the brake pad is thinner, it is time to have the brakes inspected and, perhaps, replaced.
Listen for a high-pitched screeching sound. It is a warning that the brake pads are thin and need to be replaced. A small metal shim embedded in brake pads causes that noise when it rubs against against the rotor. If you hear that sound, get a brake checkup.
Monitor your car for poor brake response such as: pulling right or left when braking, grinding noises when braking; or vibration when braking.
Good Brakes Keep You Safer
By keeping your vehicle’s braking systems at its best, you may be able to avoid a car accident. Good brakes help drivers react faster to unexpected hazards. It is much better to avoid getting hurt in a crash than to file an insurance claim for injuries and damages after a crash.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do.
Source: JD Power, “Warning Signs You Need New Brakes,” Jeff Youngs, accessed Oct. 16, 2015
