Truck Brakes Maintenance

One of the most important components of any vehicle is its brakes. They help you slow down and stop, avoiding collisions during your everyday driving. But if you don’t maintain the brakes, you could find yourself dealing with a lot more damage — and money — than replacing worn-down brake pads. Here are some ways to tell if your truck brakes need maintenance!

 

5 telltale signs of brake pad wear and tear

 

Your truck has a handful of ways it tells you that you need to check on the brakes. Here are some telltale signs to watch for:

 

1. High-pitched squealing – Do your truck squeaks any time you press on the brake pedal? This is the truck’s way of warning you that the pads need to be replaced soon.
2. Intense grinding sound – If you ignored that squealing sound, the heavy grinding signifies that the brake pads have worn down completely and are now causing metal to rub against metal, damaging the rotors.
3. Slow stopping response – Are you braking slower than normal and cutting it close in traffic? The braking system might need to be checked out.
4. Vibrating brake pedal – As fun as it is to drive off-road, the brake pedal shouldn’t vibrate when you’re driving on smooth surfaces. If it is, definitely have the brakes checked.
5. Visible signs of wear – Take a look behind the wheel spokes. If the brake pads look to be less than a quarter of an inch, it might be time to have them replaced.

 

Protect your truck and be proactive about brake maintenance

 

The easiest way to protect your truck and its many components is by getting it inspected regularly by our trained team of professionals at Mitchell Buick-GMC. Our staff is highly knowledgeable about all kinds of vehicles and brands. When we perform a multi-point inspection, we check the brakes and their components (like brake fluid, rotors, and the brake pads).

 

If you think your truck needs some repairs, or if you want to get ahead of any major issues, feel free to schedule service with us online at Mitchell Buick-GMC in San Angelo, Texas, or give us a call at (325) 716-2959.