Does your brakes' squealing noise announce your presence from a mile away? Go incognito yet again with a brake check!

If you had to name just one component of your vehicle you couldn't afford to break down on you, your brakes would come to mind immediately. We all know how important the brake system is to staying safe on the road...or do we?

According to a 2015 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, brakes ranked as the second leading cause (after tire blowouts) of traffic accidents. Alarmingly, a good portion of those accidents could likely have been avoided if motorists had remembered to conduct periodic brake checks and heed the telltale warning signs of brakes about to go out. In fact, worn brake pads, discs, and brake lines were cited as the most common contributing factors.

WHEN TO BRING IN YOUR VEHICLE FOR A BRAKE CHECK:

• Squealing or grinding noises
• Shaking or wobbling while braking
• "Pulling" to the side while braking
• Before long road trips
• If you notice a difference in your car's responsiveness to applying the brakes

Your Elite Auto Experts car repair technicians will take a quick look at your brakes at every oil change and let you know if they need service. If you notice any of the symptoms above in-between checkups, however, be sure to bring your vehicle in for a thorough inspection right away. Above all, we want you to be safe on the road at all times!