WHEN SHOULD I GET MY BRAKES INSPECTED?

Stacey Diaz • October 14, 2025

Now Is the Time to Check Your Brakes

brakes wayside garage monterey carmel marina seaside

When Should I Get My Brakes Inspected?

Brakes Aren’t Something You Want to Guess About

If you’re wondering when to get your brakes inspected, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get at Wayside Garage — especially this time of year.

The short answer? You should have your brakes inspected at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. But depending on your driving habits, road conditions, or vehicle type, you may need to check them more often.

And right now — with October coming to a close — is actually one of the smartest times to do it.

________________________________________

Signs Your Brakes Need Immediate Attention

Some brake problems are obvious, others sneak up quietly. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to bring your vehicle in:

Screeching, squealing, or grinding noises
A soft or spongy brake pedal
Your car pulls to one side when braking
A shaking or vibration in the steering wheel
Longer stopping distances

Even if you’re not hearing or feeling anything unusual, it’s still a good idea to get your brakes checked before the rainy season and holiday travel.

________________________________________

Why October Is a Great Time for a Brake Inspection

October marks the start of colder mornings, wet roads, and more driving in the dark. These conditions make brake safety even more important.

And here’s something even more meaningful: October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month — and at Wayside Garage, we proudly participate in the Brakes for Breasts campaign.

What Is Brakes for Breasts?

You get free brake pads with your brake service.
You only pay for labor and any other needed parts.
We donate 10% of the total brake service cost to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund.

This campaign ends October 31, so if you’ve been putting off a brake check, now is the perfect time to act — for your car’s safety and a life-changing cause.

________________________________________

Routine Brake Maintenance = Long-Term Savings

Brake repairs can be expensive — especially if you wait too long. But routine inspections can help:

Catch worn pads before they damage rotors
Extend the life of your braking system
Prevent costly emergency repairs
Give you peace of mind for upcoming trips

If you're part of our Wayside Maintenance Plan, brake inspections are included as part of your scheduled services. No guesswork, just smart preventative care.

________________________________________

So… When Should You Get Your Brakes Checked?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Situation Brake Inspection Needed?

It’s been a year or more - Yes
You hear screeching or grinding - Yes
You’re planning holiday travel - Yes
You want peace of mind - Absolutely
You want to support a great cause before Oct 31 - 100% Yes

________________________________________

Schedule Before the End of October

There’s still time to get your brakes inspected, support breast cancer research, and protect your family on the road. But the Brakes for Breasts campaign ends October 31, and spots are filling up.

Call us or schedule online today. We’re here to help — no pressure, just honest advice and expert care.

< Older Post

ARE MY BRAKES SAFE?

By Stacey Diaz • October 14, 2025

October is more than just pumpkin patches and crisp fall air. For many families in Monterey, it's also the start of darker evenings, wetter roads, and more time on the road. That’s why October is the perfect time to think about one of the most important safety features on your vehicle: your brakes. At Wayside Garage, we participate in the Brakes for Breasts campaign every October. It's not just about brake repair — it’s about raising awareness, supporting breast cancer research, and keeping our community safe on the roads. ________________________________________ What Are the Signs Your Brakes Might Need Attention? Your brakes are your first line of defense in an emergency. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s time to get your brakes checked: • Squealing or grinding noises • A soft or “spongy” brake pedal • Car pulling to one side when braking • Vibration or shaking when you press the brakes • Increased stopping distance Ignoring these signs can lead to expensive repairs down the road — or worse, a serious accident. We always say: if it feels off, bring it in. ________________________________________ Why Brake Inspections Matter More in Fall With more rain, shorter days, and holiday travel ahead, your brakes are under more stress in the fall. At Wayside Garage, we see an uptick in emergency brake repairs this time of year — many of which could have been avoided with a quick inspection. Our certified technicians will perform a comprehensive brake check, looking at: • Brake pads and rotors • Brake fluid level and condition • Brake lines and hoses • Calipers and hardware And if you’re part of our Wayside Garage Maintenance Plan, your brake inspections are included with your scheduled services. That’s one more reason to stay on track with routine care. ________________________________________ Brakes for Breasts: Repair With a Purpose Every October, we join auto shops nationwide for the Brakes for Breasts campaign. Here’s how it works at Wayside Garage: • You get free brake pads (you only pay for labor and any additional parts if needed). • We donate 10% of the brake job to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund. It’s a meaningful way to protect your family on the road while supporting groundbreaking research that could change lives. ________________________________________ Why Choose Wayside Garage for Brake Service? We know you have options when it comes to brake repair in Monterey. So why do so many drivers trust us? • Family-owned and operated since 1946 • ASE-certified technicians who care about doing it right • Honest inspections and clear explanations • Free digital vehicle health reports • A shop built on integrity, hospitality, and professionalism When you bring your vehicle to us, you're not just another ticket — you're part of the Wayside Garage family. ________________________________________ Schedule Your Brake Inspection Today October is the best time to have your brakes checked — and support a great cause while you're at it. Whether you’re noticing a problem or just want peace of mind before the holidays, give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Let's keep your vehicle — and your community — safe this fall.