Both GMC and Buick have exceptional brakes. All you need to maintain them is brake servicing at your local Buick or GMC dealer every six months or so. But if you often drive in conditions that wear down brakes faster, you might require brake repair more frequently. And all drivers should keep an eye out for telltale signs of extensive brake wear.
Not all drivers brake the same amount. Some need to brake far more frequently on a daily basis. Some drivers naturally have a more brake-heavy driving style. If you find yourself driving under the following conditions, consider having your brakes inspected more often to avoid brake problems:
Commuting in Heavy Traffic
Driving for prolonged periods in heavy urban traffic is an unfortunate daily occurrence for many commuters. Apart from wearing on your nerves, heavy stop-and-go traffic will also wear on your brakes.
Mountainous or Hilly Terrain
Flat roads are wonderful for brakes because gravity is on your side. On the other hand, roads that rise and fall over mountainous or hilly terrain frequently require your brakes to fight against gravity on downhill stretches. This really puts a lot of strain on even the toughest of brakes.
Hauling Heavy Loads
Heavier vehicles take more force to accelerate and also more force to slow down. If you often carry loads on your roof rack or tow a trailer, then your brakes have a harder job in stopping you.
Brake-Friendly Driving Styles
There are also certain styles of driving that use the brakes too much. Rather than easing off the gas as they predict a stop ahead, they’ll keep going fast and then use the brakes to slow rather than easing off the gas and allowing gravity to help slow their vehicle.
Ask Your Local GMC Dealer
It can be difficult to know if your terrain or driving style demands more than usual braking and if your brakes are wearing down faster than the norm. If you’re unsure, you can always ask the technician during your next brake servicing visit. They’ll be happy to offer advice.
Common Signs of Brake Trouble
Faltering brake pads will often emit squealing sounds to alert you that the friction layer is worn down and it’s time for replacements. Any reddish or red-brown liquid dripping under your car or wheels means your brake fluid is leaking, which should never be ignored.
Spongy or sluggish brakes usually mean either your brakes are overheating or your fluid is low. And vibrations through the brake pedal indicate a damaged rotor disc. In any of these cases, it’s best not to drive until the problem is properly diagnosed and fixed.
Have your brakes repaired today at Toth Buick GMC. We’re a trusted local dealership established in 1936 and serving the region’s drivers ever since.
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