Used Cars & Brake Maintenance: What You Should Know Before & After Buying
Brake Maintenance Protects Vehicle Performance
Buying a used car is a cost-effective way to get reliable transportation. When buying a used car, it’s always a good idea to pay attention to the brakes. The condition of a car’s braking system informs you about its history, and keeping those brakes in top shape protects your safety and the car’s long-term performance.
Autoworld of Conway near Red Hill and Socastee carries a variety of pre-owned vehicles, and our staff of certified car care technicians know how to evaluate, maintain, and repair brakes.
Pay Attention During Your Test Drive
Before you buy any used car, it’s essential to take it for a test-drive. At your test-drive, take time to chat with a member of our sales team. Ask them about the brakes, the condition or age of the brake pads and rotors, recorded repairs and upgrades, and how the vehicle was driven, as some driving conditions like stop-and-go traffic and extreme weather can wear down brakes faster.
During the test-drive, pay attention to red flags that could indicate brake issues. Squeaking or grinding noises, vibrations or pulsing in the steering wheel, or a spongy feel when pressing the brake pedal indicate problems with the brake pads, rotors, calipers, or hydraulics.
We always recommend having the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic. Having a professional technician check the brakes will give you peace of mind before you purchase any used car.
Essential Brake Maintenance
After you purchase a used car, keeping the brakes in good condition keeps you and your passengers safe on the road. Your vehicle will give you clear signs that it needs brake care. When your brakes need to be replaced, they will make squealing, squeaking, or grinding noises. You might notice that you need more distance to come to a stop, and some brakes might smell like they are burning. Your car’s dashboard brake warning light might illuminate when it’s time for brake care.
You can extend the life of your brakes by following a regular service schedule. Depending on your vehicle and your driving habits, your brake pads should last 25,000 to 75,000 miles. Vehicles benefit from brake fluid flushes every two or three years, and it’s always a good idea to have your brakes inspected at every oil change or routine service visit.
The way you drive can also extend the life of your brakes. Give your car time to coast to a stop and avoid riding the brakes when going downhill. Don’t follow other drivers so closely that you have to stomp on the brakes.
Trust the Technicians at Autoworld of Conway
When you need brake care, the Autoworld of Conway team can help. Our certified technicians can inspect, diagnose, and repair brake issues in all makes and models.
Schedule Brake Maintenance & Service at Autoworld of Conway in Conway, SC
A smooth stop starts with good brakes and smart vehicle ownership. The sales team at Autoworld of Conway in Conway, SC can help you choose a vehicle with properly functioning brakes. We’ve made it easy to browse our inventory of vehicles online, and after you purchase a vehicle, we’ve made it easy to schedule a service appointment for brake care through our website.