Of the 300,000 auto accidents that brake failure causes each year in the US, most could be prevented with more diligent maintenance. As important as brakes are to your safety, it’s essential to have them serviced often. How often depends largely on your regular driving habits and conditions. Let’s look in detail at how many times a year you should visit your local Kia dealer for a brake service.
It’s generally recommended to have your brakes serviced at least once every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. This usually works out to every six months or so for most drivers. This interval coincides nicely with regular oil changes and tire rotation.
How Long Different Components Last
The primary purpose of brake servicing is to check the various brake components for signs of damage or excessive wear and tear. Your technician can also keep you updated on how much longer you can expect the various parts to last.
Brake pads tend to last the shortest amount of time and need replacing every 30,000 to 35,000 miles. But with lighter usage, they can last a lot longer. Rotors typically last around 50,000 to 70,000 miles. And brake calipers can go for 100,000 miles before running into trouble.
Flush Brake Fluid at Your Kia Dealer Every Two Years
Brake fluid typically only needs to be flushed and replaced every two years. If left longer than this, it can start to break down and lose its proper function.
Brake-Heavy Driving Habits
Some drivers will require more frequent brake servicing because of their driving habits. If you usually fail to slow down well in advance of turns and traffic lights and then brake at the last minute, your brakes are undergoing more wear and tear than necessary.
Likewise, if you drive aggressively rather than defensively, you’re likely to be using your brakes excessively. Failing to adhere to the three-second rule or using high gears in mountainous terrain can also take a toll on your brakes.
Brake-Heavy Driving Conditions
Heavy stop-and-go traffic requires far more braking than long drives on unrestricted highways. Regularly using steep roads has a similar negative impact on car brakes, as does driving along hilly roads with lots of consecutive sharp corners.
Heavier vehicles can also be harder for brakes to stop. So if you increase the weight of your car by carrying objects on your roof rack or by towing a trailer, then your brakes will probably need to be inspected and repaired more often.
Have your brakes serviced today by qualified technicians at Superior Motors Kia. We offer a broad selection of top-of-the-line Kia vehicles and award-winning customer service.
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