You’re out on the road when you notice that unmistakable squeal and grind as you come to a stop. It’s the first sign that something isn’t quite right with your brakes.
Here’s what you need to know about your next brake inspection.
Schedule a brake inspection at least once a year, or every 20,000 km – whichever comes first. Many technicians will recommend this service with every tire rotation or seasonal tire swap.
It can be hard to know exactly when brake repairs are needed because it depends on your vehicle, road conditions, and driving habits. For example, city driving, hills, and heavy towing or hard braking will cause faster wear. Navigating icy Canadian winters, road salt, and cold weather braking also place more demand on your brakes.
Some brake parts need to be replaced on a different schedule. For example, brake pads can last between 30,000 and 70,000 km, but driving conditions affect that range significantly. This is why a scheduled inspection matters more than any specific mileage rule.
During a brake inspection, your technician will examine these critical brake components:
Brake pad replacement is a common part of car ownership. When you press your brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the brake caliper to squeeze the brake pads against the rotor to create friction and slow your car. Over time, this friction wears down brake pads. Your technician will recommend a replacement if they are 3 mm thick or less.
Brake rotors also wear down over time. Minimum thickness, scoring, grooving, and warping are all signs that new rotors need to be installed. Your technician can change your rotors and brake pads at the same time if needed.
Your technician will check if caliper pistons are moving freely and that they apply even pressure across the pad surface.
Brake fluid naturally absorbs small amounts of water from the air over time. As water content builds up, it lowers the fluid’s boiling point.
Under the intense heat of heavy braking, fluid with too much water in it can boil and vaporize. When that happens, brake pressure drops suddenly, sometimes dramatically. Your technician will let you know if your brake fluid’s water content has reached an unsafe level.
An inspection will catch any cracks, corrosion, or leaks that can cause a loss in hydraulic pressure, making it much more difficult to brake.
Your technician will check that pad hardware, clips, and mounting brackets are in good condition, since worn hardware can cause uneven pad wear and noisy brakes.
Cold winter temperatures can cause parking brakes to seize. Your technician will double-check your parking brake’s functionality and adjust it if needed.
A full brake inspection provides a complete picture of your braking system’s health and will determine if anything needs to be replaced.
Depending on what your technician finds during the inspection, here are a few things they may recommend:
A typical brake service will last from one to two hours, especially if it includes a brake pad replacement. However, it may take slightly longer if new rotors need to be installed.
Here are a few important signs that you’re in need of a brake inspection and service:
Because some brake wear happens silently, regular inspections catch damage before it becomes a larger problem.
Certified automotive technicians have the training and tools to thoroughly inspect your complete brake system. They’ll check fluid condition, caliper function, and brake line integrity, and measure the thickness of your rotors and pads.
If any repairs are needed, technicians complete all replacements to proper specifications and will include a full system check.
Regular brake inspections are a simple, cost-effective way to stay safe on the road and avoid larger repair bills. Whether it’s time for a routine brake check or you’ve noticed your brakes are squeaking, the technicians at your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre can assess your full braking system and recommend the right services for your vehicle.
