Pillar One: Brake Fluid - The System's "Life Blood"

Brake fluid is the key medium for transmitting brake pressure, and its condition is crucial.

Regularly Check Level and Color

• Frequency: Check every 6 months or during every oil change.
• Level: Ensure the fluid level in the reservoir is always between the "MAX" and "MIN" marks.
• Color: New brake fluid should be transparent or light yellow. If it becomes dark brown or cloudy, it has oxidized and absorbed moisture, requiring immediate replacement.

Timely Replacement of Brake Fluid

• Cycle: Follow the recommendations in your GMC Yukon owner's manual, typically every 2 years or 30,000 miles. In humid climates or when frequently towing heavy loads, consider shortening the replacement interval.
• Key Tip: Always use the manufacturer-recommended specification (such as DOT 4) and avoid mixing different brands or types of brake fluid to prevent chemical reactions that could degrade performance.

Pillar Two: Brake Pads and Rotors - Primary Friction Components

These are the direct components that execute braking and are the most commonly worn parts.

Inspection and Replacement Threshold

• Frequency: Inspect every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, or immediately if you hear sharp metal grinding noises or feel reduced braking power.
• Brake Pads: Must be replaced when the friction material thickness is less than 3 mm.
• Brake Rotors: Check the rotor surface for deep scratches, grooves, or warping due to overheating.
• Professional Advice: To maintain optimal braking balance and stability, strongly recommend replacing in pairs the brake pads and rotors on the same axle (i.e., front pair or rear pair).

Pillar Three: Brake Lines - The Hidden "Blood Vessels"

Hoses and metal lines transport brake fluid; any leakage can lead to complete brake failure.

Regular Inspection

• Frequency: Perform a comprehensive visual inspection annually or every 15,000 miles.
• Inspection Content: Carefully check all brake lines for cracks, bulges, wear, signs of leakage, or corrosion. Replace immediately if any issues are found.

Pillar Four: Driving Habits - Key to Active Maintenance

Good driving habits can significantly reduce the burden on the braking system.

• Anticipate Road Conditions, Avoid Hard Braking: Observe ahead, reduce speed by easing off the throttle to minimize emergency braking.
• Use Engine Braking on Long Descents: Especially when towing, use low gears (L gear) to utilize engine braking to control speed, preventing brake system failure due to overheating.

Pillar Five: Professional System Inspection - Prevention is Better Than Cure

Some potential issues require professional equipment and knowledge to detect.

• Comprehensive Diagnosis: Annually or every 15,000 miles, have a professional technician perform a comprehensive inspection of the entire braking system (including the trailer brake controller circuits and connections) to ensure all components, such as calipers, wheel cylinders, ABS sensors, etc., are functioning properly.

Pillar Six: Heed Warning Signs - The Vehicle's "Cry for Help"

Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated sensors; do not ignore any warnings.

• Dashboard Warning Lights: If the brake system warning light (usually an icon with an exclamation mark inside parentheses) illuminates, safely stop immediately and check. If the cause cannot be determined, contact a professional repair service for assistance; do not continue driving.