Consumers Should Hit (and Inspect) the Brakes before Driving Off to Vacation.

ATLANTA -- According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, neglected vehicle maintenance leads to more than 2,600 deaths and nearly 100,000 disabling injuries each year. And at a highway cruising speed of 65 mph, vehicles travel more than 95 feet per second. Even with excellent reaction time, an emergency traffic situation relies on instantaneous response from the vehicle's brakes. So before you hit the road to enjoy the summer weather, the car professionals at NAPA recommend an automobile "physical", including an inspection of your vehicle's brakes to ensure proper functionality.

Key tactics to ensure brakes function properly include:

Invest in an Annual Brake System Analysis

For routine maintenance, the vehicle's braking system should be checked at least once a year by a technician certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). For best results, the technician should take the car for a test drive to determine any brake system problems before inspecting brake lining wear, brake fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, and brake and warning lights.

Change Brake Fluid Every 24,000 Miles

To prevent emergencies from occurring, the brake fluid should be changed every 24,000 miles (approximately two years) before it becomes contaminated. This happens because the fluid absorbs moisture that works its way throughout the vehicle's hydraulic system. Large amounts of braking action can heat up the fluid so much that the moisture vaporizes, leaving air in the system and the brakes ineffective. Moisture can also cause rust and corrosion in the braking system. If such damage is not identified early on, a cracked hose or rusty line can trigger unexpected brake failure.

Recognize the Symptoms Early

In between professional inspections, drivers should be on the lookout for the following symptoms that could indicate a brake problem:

--Vehicle pulls to the left or right when braking

--Brake pedal goes down too far or feels too hard

--A burning smell or excessive noise when braking

--Vibration or shaking in brake pedal, steering wheel or entire vehicle when braking

--Brake warning lights come on while driving

"You always want to have your car inspected before you begin your summer travels," said Michael Lavoie, NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year and owner of Lavoie's NAPA AutoCare Center in New Hampshire. "While drivers can help protect themselves from brake failure if they pay attention to how the car feels and sounds when braking, certified technicians have the tools and mechanical background to identify more long-term problems. Investing in an analysis may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it sure beats running into car trouble while you're on vacation."

NAPA AutoCare Centers offer a preventive maintenance program that includes a complete inspection and regular monitoring of vehicle systems. Consumers can learn more about this program by contacting their local NAPA AutoCare Center.

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