You don’t want your car to break down. And you don’t want to find out that you have to fork out money for an expensive repair that you weren’t budgeting for.
But unfortunately, this can easily happen if you don’t take the necessary precautions. By scheduling vehicle service and knowing what signs to look for, you can prevent minor issues from progressing into major, costly ones by scheduling vehicle service and knowing what signs to look for.
So, how do you know when it’s time to bring your vehicle in? Below, Mount Airy Toyota explains when to have your brakes checked, change your windshield wipers, get an inspection, and more!
When Should I Get My Brakes Checked?
Generally speaking, it’s best practice to bring your car in for service at least once a year, and that includes having the brakes inspected. But if you notice signs of brake problems in the meantime, you don’t want to wait before getting them checked.
Perhaps the most common indicator that you have a brake problem is if you hear grinding, thumping, or squealing noises while applying your brakes. But there are many other signs to consider, such as:
- An oily, yellow-like substance leaking from under your vehicle.
- Vibration or pulsing from your brake pedal.
- Vibration throughout other components (such as the steering wheel) or the entire car.
- Sudden pulls of the steering wheel to the left or right when you apply the brakes.
- Less resistance when applying the brakes, leaving the need to push the brakes harder.
- An increase in distance needed to come to a complete stop.
- The smell of burning rubber when applying the brakes.
Besides bringing your vehicle in for annual servicing and looking out for signs of brake issues, most automakers and mechanics suggest replacing brake fluid every two years (or 30,000 miles). And your brake pads should be replaced every 20,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on your driving style and the quality of the pads.
When Should I Change My Windshield Wipers?
Your windshield wipers are critical for staying safe on the road. But it’s probably not something you think much about unless your wipers go bad! It’s best to plan on replacing your wipers every six months to a year, but you should replace them immediately if you notice them becoming ineffective.
The whole point of wipers is to clear rain, snow, and other substances from your windshield so that you can maintain proper visibility. If your wipers aren’t performing that basic function, then it’s a good indicator that it’s time for a replacement! And this applies if your wipers start to streak, split, skip, or squeak as well.
It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect the wipers themselves. If there is a broken frame, cracks or tears in the rubber, limited flexibility in the squeegee, or corrosion on the metal parts, it’s time for a replacement. Using higher quality windshield wipers will typically mean that you need to replace them less often than if you use cheaper ones.
How Often Do I Need an Inspection?
For most Americans, car inspections are just part of being a car owner. Most states require you to have regular inspections in order to register a new vehicle or renew your registration. In North Carolina, your car must pass a statewide safety inspection each year. During this inspection, your mechanic will assess the vital components of your vehicle to ensure it is drivable and safe for the road.
There is no statewide emissions law in North Carolina, but 22 counties require registered vehicles to pass an emissions inspection each year. The emissions inspection is usually performed in conjunction with the safety inspection.
Other Signs Your Vehicle Needs Servicing
Along with watching out for brake and windshield wiper issues, there are many other ways your vehicle can tell you if there’s a problem. For example, squealing noises could indicate a loose or worn-out timing belt, as could a whining sound under the hood. Inconsistent engine noises could mean that you need to have your engine inspected. And if you hear scraping sounds, you might have loose car parts rubbing together. Moreover, a grinding or crunching noise when shifting gears could be a sign of a transmission problem.
Conclusion
You don’t want to wait until it’s too late. Bring your vehicle in for servicing and inspection at least once a year. And if you notice any signs of a problem with your brakes, windshield wipers, or any other components of your car, address the concerns immediately. At Mount Airy Toyota, we offer full service on any and all Toyota models. Don’t hesitate to contact our team for any of your servicing needs!
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