Do you plan on hitting the road this holiday season? If so, it’s probably the right time to get your brakes checked. Chauncy Hanke, a mechanic at Carlson’s Automotive in Amarillo,Texas says ‘tis the season for that kind of attention. “Before winter time, you should always have everything checked,” Hanke says.  “Your brakes in particular are very important, especially when it’s snowy and icy on the ground.  If you hear any squealing, any noises like that, it’s always a good idea to check your brakes, especially before a long trip.”

Even in this day and age with advanced technology and more efficient cars, brakes are one topic that remain one of the most important. Hanke recommends a regular maintenance check twice a year for older vehicles and a once a year check for newer ones.

Early warning signs for faulty brakes:

• squealing
• an unpleasant grinding sound
• pulsations when you apply the brake pedal
• a loss of pressure on the pedal
• excessive dust around your wheel covers

According to Hanke, the average cost of a brake replacement could cost anywhere between $180-300. Always get your brakes checked regularly to avoid these pricey problems!