Nissan Brake Maintenance: How to Ensure Your Safety on the Road

If there’s one car part that a safety-conscious driver should always keep in tip-top condition, it’s the brakes. The rate at which brakes wear down depends both on the owner’s driving habits and how well the brakes are maintained. The following are some essential principles of effective brake maintenance, including how often to visit your local Nissan dealer to have the brake fluid, pads, rotors, and calipers inspected or repaired. 

Try Not to Ride Your Car’s Brakes 

Riding the brakes is when a driver always has a foot either on the gas or the brake pedal. When approaching a junction or turn, rather than taking their foot off the gas to allow gravity to slow the vehicle, they approach too rapidly and then depend wholly on the brakes to slow the vehicle down. 

This puts a great deal of unnecessary strain on the brakes and causes the pads and rotors to wear down prematurely. Quitting this habit can help a driver maintain their brakes for longer.

Avoid Brake-Heavy Driving Conditions 

Another cause of accelerated brake wear is any kind of brake-heavy driving condition, meaning a condition where the brakes must be used excessively. This includes commuting in stop-and-go traffic and using winding, hilly roads with long downhill stretches. 

Increasing the weight of the vehicle with heavy loads or trailers also strains the brakes. If possible, it’s a good idea to minimize any such driving conditions.

Flush the Brake Fluid Frequently

Brake fluid serves the vital function of transmitting the stopping signal from the brake pedal to the calipers. Over time, moisture and air can get into the brake lines, diluting the brake fluid and lessening the necessary hydraulic pressure. 

For this reason, brake fluid should be flushed and refreshed at least every 25,000 miles. You can also regularly have the brake lines bled of trapped air. 

Replace Brake Pads and Rotors Promptly

Both brake pads and rotors undergo a great deal of wear and tear from usage. Drivers should pay careful attention to both components and replace them as soon as they’re on their last legs.

You’re likely to hear a high-pitched squealing noise when a brake pad is nearing its limit. With rotor discs, a rhythmic vibration through the pedal and steering wheel is a more common sign of warping or damage. 

Have Brake Servicing at Your Nissan Dealer Twice a Year

As with any car part, one of the most important maintenance tasks for brakes is to have them frequently serviced by qualified professionals. It’s recommended to have brakes serviced twice a year. The technician can check the brake fluid, brake lines, pads, rotors, and calipers, promptly repairing or replacing any malfunctioning parts. 

Visit Redwood City Nissan in Redwood City, CA, today to have your car’s brakes serviced by courteous, experienced technicians. We offer an extensive range of new and used vehicles with courteous, personalized customer service. 

Tags: Brake Repair, Nissan Service in Redwood City CA
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