August 20-28 is Brake Safety Awareness Week, and it's a great time to make sure that your brakes are still delivering the stopping power you need, when you need it. Summer is winding down, and it's a sure bet that brakes will start seeing more when fall and winter hit. That means it's better to be prepared with a proactive brake check and, if necessary, brake service, rather than risking life and limb on the roads.
Brakes are one of the most hard-used parts of any vehicle, and everything from braking too hard to riding the brakes or the brand of car you drive can have an impact on brake life. Some signs that a brake repair may be required include loud squealing, grabbing, loss of stopping power or significant pulling to one side when you make a stop.
If you haven't had a brake service and check recently, Brake Safety Awareness Week is the perfect time to get your brake lining, brake fluid, rotors and hoses looked at. Regular maintenance can help increase the life of your brakes and limit the need for brake repair in the long term.
Image: Automotive Oil Change Association