Modern cars can last well over a decade with proper maintenance. Compared with the cost of purchasing a new vehicle, it pays to make car care a priority. Follow the car maintenance tips below to keep your vehicle around longer.

Brake pads and rotors need to be replaced during the life of your vehicle. 

The timing for this depends on several factors, including how often you stop while driving and how thin or thick the rotors and pads are initially. If you live in town and do a lot of stop-and-go driving, your brakes wear faster than someone who drives mostly on highway or country roads with few stops. So when should you replace brake pads? Brake pads should be replaced when the pad has 1/4″ or less remaining.

You should pay attention to when it is time for a brake replacement. Some cars come with sensors for the brake pads that inform the driver of worn down brakes, usually with a light on the dashboard. Other car’s brake systems are made to squeal when they get worn too thin as a way to inform the driver that it is time for them to be replaced. It’s an unpleasant sound but it serves as a harmless warning, if you hear your brakes screeching be sure to take them in.