Subaru Brake Systems: When to Bring It to Your Subaru Dealer

Your brakes are one of the most important safety features of your Subaru. To keep your brakes in good working order, you should not hesitate to bring your vehicle to your local Bay Area Subaru dealer for a brake service. Today, we’re looking at everything you need to know about Subaru brake systems, including when service appointments should be scheduled and how you can maximize your brakes’ lifespan.

 

Subaru Brakes: When It’s Time to Get Brake Service

As a general rule, you should bring your Subie in for a brake pad inspection every year to 15 months or 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Typically, brake pads last between 15,000 and 20,000 miles. However, you should bring your vehicle in for a brake inspection and service sooner if you notice any signs that something is wrong, like hearing squealing when you brake.

Like your brake pads, your brake rotors will need to be replaced eventually. If you stick to the recommended maintenance schedule, your rotors should remain functional for 50,000 to 60,000 miles. However, there are several factors affecting the longevity of your rotors, including how promptly you have your brake pads replaced when the friction material wears out. Bring your car in as soon as possible if your pedal vibrates when you brake.

Have Your Brake Fluid Replaced Periodically

One way you can extend the longevity of your brake system is to have your brake fluid replaced periodically. Generally, this vital fluid must ​be replaced every 2.5 years or 30,000 miles. It’s important to have ​your local Subie dealership replace your brake fluid even if you don’t have a brake fluid leak. The older the brake fluid gets, the more moisture it retains.

Moisture retention ​degrades ​brake fluid’s integrity in ​multiple ways. First, moisture ​retention impedes the brake fluid’s ability to move the brake pistons. Furthermore, ​it lowers the brake fluid’s boiling point. If you brake too hard for too long, your brake fluid can boil.

Coast

 Another ​way you can maximize your brake system’s lifespan is ​coasting before you depress the brake pedal. The faster you go before you brake, the more wear your brake pads are subjected to. Try to let ​the friction between the road ​and your tires decelerate your vehicle some before you press your brake pedal down.

You should have a certified Subaru mechanic work on your brakes when you notice signs that the brake system is failing. It’s time to schedule a brake pad inspection at Stevens Creek Subaru in Santa Clara, CA if you don’t see any signs of failing brakes, but it has been at least a year since your last brake inspection. Stop by our San Jose Subaru dealership to get your brakes done today!

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