Taking care of your brakes is a crucial responsibility as a car owner. Your brakes have a lot of bearing on how your car operates, as they control its ability to slow down and stop on command. With functioning brakes, you can keep yourself, your passengers, and other people on the road safe. The best thing to do as a car owner is to have your vehicle inspected by a professional regularly to determine its current health and what it needs to operate at full capacity.

Brake service is a vital component of car maintenance, which is why our team at Capistrano Mazda wants all of our customers to know exactly how to care for their brakes to ensure a safe and smooth driving experience.

Why Is Brake Maintenance Important?

Brake maintenance is one of the most important parts of your car's health to keep up throughout its lifetime. This is because of how vital brakes are to a well-functioning vehicle. Without quality brakes, you can easily lose control of your car and cause an accident, putting your life and those of others in danger. With proper brake maintenance, you can drive confidently knowing that your brakes are in top-quality condition. You'll also get used to how your car drives with fresh brakes, making it easier to decipher when they deteriorate over time.

The key to good brake maintenance (and car service in general) is to stay on top of your appointments. Keep a record of each time you take your car in for service. This makes it easier for you to keep track of how long it's been since your last appointment to make sure that you have a professional check out your car as needed.

What Kinds of Services Do My Brakes Need?

There are a few different types of brake services you may experience throughout your time as a car owner. The most general type is a brake repair, in which a technician tends to all parts of the brake system, making them look and run as good as new. Another common brake service is a brake pad replacement. A brake pad is the part of the vehicle's brake system that puts friction on the car's brake rotors, which allows the vehicle to slow down or come to a complete stop.

You may also find that you need your brake fluid replaced now and then. Brake fluid is essential for facilitating the movement of the different components within your car's brake system. If you've bought a car within the last two decades, it likely has an anti-lock braking system (ABS). ABS systems have become the norm in car manufacturing thanks to their ability to help drivers stay in control of their vehicles when encountering slippery surfaces or making sudden stops. Our technicians may look at your car's ABS sensors or its computer to reset the system after we fix the issue.

Signs You May Need Brake Service

While you can keep track of your car's service history to know when it's time for service, you can also look for some common signs and symptoms of an underlying brake issue. Here are some of the primary signs to look for when you suspect your vehicle may need a brake service:

Squeaking When Braking

Any unfamiliar noise that occurs when you push down on your brakes can be a sign that your car needs some maintenance. One of the most common noises is a high-pitched squeaking sound, although rattling and grinding noises are also signs that there's an issue with your brakes.

Soft Brakes

If you find that your brakes feel very soft and offer little to no resistance when you push down on the brake pedal, this is also a sign of an issue. Most likely, this has to do with your brake fluid or the result of air seeping into your brake lines.

Service Lights Come On

One of the main benefits of cars today is the inclusion of dashboard service lights that can inform you of any issues with the car's mechanics or internal computer. If your brake service light comes on and doesn't disappear after a few moments, this is a good indicator that you should take your car in for service.

Slow Brake Response Time

Another sign that your car's brakes are faulty is if you notice a delayed response time when you push down on your brake pedal. If your car takes longer to stop or slow down than usual or you have to press harder on the pedal than before, your brakes likely need repair.

Resistance When Braking

Just as soft brakes can be a sign of underlying issues, so can especially hard ones. Resistance when braking occurs when you push down on your brake pedal and notice more resistance than normal, which may indicate an issue with your brake fluid.

Vehicle Drifting

If you notice that your car drifts to one side while you're driving, this can be a sign of a brake problem. The hardware in your brake system, including the brake pads, rotors, and pedal, may be damaged, or you may have issues with the vehicle's hydraulics, resulting in the drifting motion on the road.

How Often Should I Get My Brakes Inspected?

Many are unaware of how often they should get their brakes inspected by technicians. The best course of action is to read your owner's manual to learn what your car's manufacturer recommends in terms of brake maintenance. In general, it may be best to take your car in for brake inspections at least every two years.

If you start to notice indications of brake issues, schedule a brake service appointment with Capistrano Mazda as soon as you can so that we can diagnose your issue. Here, our factory-trained technicians can perform a brake test, inspect other aspects of your car's mechanical and computer systems, and complete a skillful repair.

The next time you suspect your car needs brake service, don't hesitate to contact your local Mazda dealer at Capistrano Mazda. We're more than happy to help you with all of your vehicle maintenance and repairs. Give us a call today to set up an appointment or learn about our various service and parts specials.