When we think of automotive maintenance, we typically think in terms of oil changes and maybe occasionally tire rotation. However, it's important not to forget about scheduled maintenance for other things like the brakes. If you keep on top of this scheduled maintenance, new brake pads and brake fluid flush is about all you should have to bother with. We take a closer look at your brake system and what's involved in proper maintenance in this article. Of course, our authorized service center at Carr Chevrolet is always here if you have any questions or concerns.
What Parts of the Brake System Need to Be Maintained?
It's no secret that brake pads and brake shoes will eventually need to be replaced. That's because their friction material will wear low. If they're not replaced in time, you run the risk of grinding your brakes down to metal on metal. That can get expensive and dangerous. You see, if the friction material of your brakes wears away completely and hitting the brake pedal means grinding the metal brake pad backing to the rotor or drum, you'll likely need to have those components replaced, as well. That's an additional expense, but such conditions in the brake system can also cause the wheels to lock up and make the vehicle harder to control.
Brake pads and shoes aren't the only part of the system that needs occasional maintenance. The entire brake system works with a special hydraulic fluid. Like all automotive fluids, brake fluid will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
How Often Should You Have Your Brake Pads Replaced & Brake Fluid Flushed?
How long the brake pads on your vehicle will last depends on a lot of things with driving habits near the top of the list. They could be good for 60,000 miles or more. Or, you may find your vehicle needing new brake pads after 20,000 miles or even sooner. That's why we recommend having them inspected when you come in for an oil change.
Brake fluid should last substantially longer than the brake pads. However, brake fluid is what's called hygroscopic, which means it will attract moisture from the air. While we can test brake fluid to see how much moisture it's collected, we typically recommend that your vehicle have a brake fluid flush every two years or so.
Your owner's manual will offer a maintenance schedule that's more specific to your model, but we also suggest that you speak with one of our service advisers for a maintenance schedule best suited to the unique needs of your vehicle.
Contact the Experts at Carr Chevrolet Near Portland
Taking the best care of your Chevy or GM vehicle means trusting it with the factory-certified technicians who know it best. That's who you'll find in our service center at Carr Chevrolet in Beaverton, and scheduling an appointment is simple right here online. If you have any questions, please give us a call and know that you're always welcome to stop by any time at 15005 SW Tualatin Valley Highway, Beaverton, OR 97006.
Discover a Better Dealership Service Center at Carr Chevrolet in Beaverton
Did you know that the prices in our authorized GM service center are competitive with independent mechanic shops and franchise oil change places? In fact, we frequently update special discounts and offers on common Chevy services to help you enjoy even more value. Part of the great value we offer comes from expert factory-trained technicians who are experienced with every inch of Chevrolet engineering. We'll only use OEM and factory-approved parts, products, and components, so you can count on the same quality your GM vehicle came with from the factory.
Aside from the superior value we offer over the neighborhood mechanic, you'll also find that we're a different type of dealership. Instead of dealing with a different person every time you come in because the dealership has such a high turnover, we pride ourselves in having more than 60 employees that have been with us for over a decade. It's also important to us that we remain an active and positive member of our community through charitable giving and sponsorships that help make our little corner of the world even better. Come visit us today and discover the difference at Carr Chevrolet. We're just a short drive from Tigard or Hillsboro.
