Maintenance 101

How Often Do I Need to Change My Brake Fluid?

By Rick Popely on January 12, 2018

CARS.COM — The recommended intervals for changing brake fluid are all over the board depending on the manufacturer, from as often as every two years to actually never. Wait, never? Really,... Read More

How Can I Tell if I Need New Brakes?

By Rick Popely on January 11, 2018

CARS.COM — If your car's brakes are squeaking, squealing or making ominous grinding noises when you apply the pedal, you might need new brake pads or rotors. Ditto if the brake pedal h... Read More

Can Brake Fluid Go Bad?

By Rick Popely on January 10, 2018

CARS.COM — Can brake fluid go bad? Indeed it can, and you might not be able to tell if it has just by looking. Most cars have see-through master cylinder reservoirs for brake fluid un... Read More

How Far Should I Go on My Brakes?

By Rick Popely on January 5, 2018

CARS.COM — Trying to put a time or mileage limit on how long brake pads and rotors should last is harder than trying to predict what kind of gas mileage you should expect. Brake life depen... Read More

How Do I Know When to Change My Brake Pads and Rotors?

By Rick Popely on January 4, 2018

CARS.COM — Squeaks, squeals and metal-to-metal grinding noises are typical signs you’re past due for new brake pads or rotors. Other signs include longer stopping distances and more ... Read More

How Do I Check the Pad Life on My Disc Brakes?

By Rick Popely on January 3, 2018

CARS.COM — When a driver applies the brake pedal to stop their vehicle, the brake pads are the friction material that gets pressed against the discs that spin along with the wheels. Eventuall... Read More

Do I Have to Buy My Replacement Brakes From My Automaker?

By Rick Popely on January 2, 2018

CARS.COM — You don’t have to buy any replacement parts from the original manufacturer when it comes to so-called “wear” items such as brake pads, windshield wiper blades,... Read More

Brake Pads: What You Need to Know

By Rick Popely on December 29, 2017

CARS.COM — Subject to tremendous friction and heat, brake pads wear down and must be replaced as part of a car's regular maintenance. In disc-brake systems, the brake pads are the fric... Read More

How to Store Your Car for Winter

By Robby DeGraff on October 20, 2017

CARS.COM — From washing and waxing to detailing the interior, people baby their vehicles in all sorts of ways. But it's equally important to take care of your car before you put it int... Read More

6 Things I Wish I'd Known When I Bought My First Car

By Emily Daniel on August 7, 2017

Being new to the car-owning world can lead to some costly maintenance mistakes if you don't do your homework. Read More