#BrakeRepair

Your car’s brakes have a tough job, especially the brake pads. If you can’t remember the last time you changed them, chances are, you’re due. But how much cash do you need to set aside for some shiny new pads, and how much should that brake pad replacement cost?

Your brakes are one of the most important safety features on your car. That’s why keeping them in top shape — and regular brake replacement — is so important.

Brake pads are one of the most overlooked, but vital, parts of our vehicles’ health. Every time you use your car’s brakes, it slightly wears away the brake pad friction material. Over thousands upon thousands of stops, that wear adds up. Once the pads get to a certain thinness, it’s time to replace them. So how do you know when you’ve reached that point?

Teen drivers need to be extra vigilant on the roads – especially in winter. This isn’t just about distracted driving… it’s also about staying on top of proper car maintenance at a time when roads are at its worst.

According to a Consumer Reports survey, 40 percent of drivers postpone car maintenance or repairs, and drivers 18 to 34 years old are the most likely to put off work on brake pads or tires – items that are necessary for safe everyday driving. By cutting corners on proper car maintenance, a teen driver’s risk of getting into a car accident in inclement weather increases, as does their long-term car care costs.

To help combat this issue, Honeywell Friction Materials presents “Bendix Brakes for Teen Safety.” This social media campaign educates parents and teens about how important it is to keep up your car’s maintenance. Here are a few handy and easy tips to keep in mind:

• Change your wiper blades when you change your oil and check your fluid reservoirs once a month during the winter.

• When you brakes start to squeal, it’s time to change the brake pads, and if you here grinding noises, that signals a more serious problem. Get a certified technician to check out both noises immediately to prevent costly repairs.

• Do a tire tread test with a quarter – if you can see the top of Washington’s head, it’s time for new tires.

• Your car contains a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze, so make sure the level is full and the mixture is accurate.

Visit Bendix Brakes for Teen Safety on Facebook or YouTube for information on getting teen drivers ready for winter. We’ve included a Bendix video after the jump – it’s a humorous stand-up routine that pokes fun at teens and winter drivers.