You know your car needs regular maintenance... But your brakes are one car repair where you don't want to cut corners.
Angie Hicks of Angie's List explains, "Brakes are one of the most important functionality of the car and we don't want to ignore them because it can be a very big issue. If you start hearing noises with your brakes have it checked out right away. It's not a repair you want to put off. In fact, you should probably have your brakes checked once every six months just as a precaution"
Listen to what your car is telling you.
Fred Kuhn is a Mechanic, He said, "You'll hear a screeching noise that will sometimes go away when you apply the brakes or only occur when you apply the brakes."
Kuhn adds, "That grinding noise means uh-oh you've gone a little bit too long and that usually requires replacing the brake rotors also.">
Another warning sign: feeling vibrations when you apply the brake pedal.
Kuhn has this caution: "Brake pads from different companies start off anywhere from $100 up to $200, $300 - it depends on the make and model of the car. The newer cars are more expensive than the older cars and the pads are a different material. That's why they are more expensive."
Hicks reminds us, "When looking for a mechanic you want find someone who has expertise with the type of car you have so they have the right equipment to run the diagnostics necessary. Find that mechanic preferably before you have a big issue like your brakes. Use them for oil changes, that way you know you have a rapport and they know your car."
