How Often Should You Get a Brake Check in Canada?
Long story short, you should have your brakes checked at least once a year or every 20,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
You likely don’t think much about your brakes, but on the first slippery winter day or sudden stop, you may notice your brake pedal sinks more or your car pulls to one side—both signs of possible brake problems.
This is why proactive brake checks are crucial to maintaining your vehicle and ensuring every drive is as safe as possible.
Learn how often you should have your brakes checked, which conditions may shorten service intervals, and what to expect during your next brake inspection.
How Often Should Brakes Be Checked?
As a general guideline, have your brakes checked at least once a year or every 20,000 km, whichever comes first. But this is a starting point, not a fixed rule.
A brake check is a technician’s evaluation of the complete brake system, not just a quick look at the pads. If you switch to winter tires, a great time to have your brakes inspected is during your seasonal tire swap, meaning your brakes will get a thorough evaluation twice a year.
However, some drivers may need more frequent brake checks. Stop-and-go city traffic, plenty of hills, heavy towing, and frequent hard braking can be tough on brakes and wear them down faster.
For example, brake pads typically last anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 km, which is why a regular check matters more than following a set mileage rule. You’re more likely to catch worn pads with bi-annual checks than with waiting until the odometer shows 20,000 km.
Why Canadian Driving Makes Regular Brake Inspection Important
Canadian driving comes with challenges in every season that can wear down your brakes faster:
- Winter: Road salt can corrode brake lines and calipers, causing them to deteriorate faster, while the sand and gravel spread on icy roads can get between the pads and rotors and cause scoring and noise.
- Cold weather: The parking brake can seize in freezing temperatures.
- Freeze-thaw cycles: They create potholes that can affect brake and suspension components if you hit them too hard.
- Spring: Leftover sand and gravel stays on the roads for weeks after the snow melts.
- Spring and fall: Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point, and wet, humid weather adds to the moisture it’s exposed to.
- Wet weather: Rotors can develop a light layer of surface rust, which usually wears off within a few stops.
- Summer: Road trips with long descents through hilly or mountainous terrain, especially when towing a trailer or camper or carrying a full load, generate a lot of heat and can cause brake fade.
Frequent brake checks are essential for your safety. Healthy brakes ensure you can stop quickly and maintain control in an emergency. They also perform better, allowing for even braking and a smooth pedal feel.
What’s Involved in Checking Auto Brakes?
During a brake system inspection, your NAPA AUTOPRO technician will look over the following components:
- Brake pads are checked for thickness.
- Brake rotors are checked for scoring, warping, and thickness.
- Calipers and hardware are checked for signs of wear or corrosion.
- Brake fluid is checked for additional moisture.
- Brake lines and hoses are checked for damage.
- The parking brake is checked for signs of wear or seizing.
Read our full article for more information on what you can expect from a professional brake inspection service.
Brake Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to book a brake inspection as soon as possible:
- squeaking or squealing coming from your brakes when you press the pedal
- a grinding noise when pressing the brake pedal
- pulsing or vibration in the pedal or steering wheel
- vehicle pulling to one side when braking
- a soft or spongy feel when you press your brake pedal
- an illuminated brake dashboard warning light
Many brake pads have a small metal tab to indicate when your brake pads reach their minimum thickness. When the brake pads are too thin, the indicator causes a squealing noise. Grinding usually means the pad material is completely gone and the metal backing plate is rubbing against the rotor. Take these signs seriously, because they can mean your vehicle has reduced braking power.
What Happens After Your Brake Evaluation?
After closely inspecting your brakes, your NAPA AUTOPRO technician will explain the findings and any repair recommendations. Depending on the evaluation results, here are some of the possible next steps:
- no need for repairs
- brake pad and rotor replacement
- brake fluid flush
- caliper or brake lines repairs
Your brakes are an essential safety feature and need to be maintained on an ongoing basis. If you’ve driven farther than the recommended 20,000-kilometre inspection interval, a year has passed since your last inspection, or you’ve noticed any signs that indicate a possible problem, it’s time for a professional brake check. Book your next brake inspection with your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre.