You’re driving east bound on McCullom Lake Road in Wonder Lake. As you pass by Busy Bee and approach Wonder Lake Road, the driver waiting there apparently doesn’t see you and pulls in front of your car.

This is a moment when your tires need to grab the road; this is a moment when the car’s brakes had better work and work to their maximum ability. Hopefully, your brakes are up to the task. If not … well … this is a bad way to discover they won’t bring your car to a stop in an emergency situation.

Thankfully, the Wonder Lake Fire Department and their rescue squads are just down the road. If the brakes fail, it won’t take the EMTs long to get there. Still, if there is a collision, hopefully, you won’t need emergency health professionals. Of course, that’s all after-the-fact kind of thinking. Your best bet is to be prepared.

Preparation means knowing, in advance, that your brakes are operating at optimal levels. One way to test your brakes is to wait for a scenario such as the one above. A better way is to have a qualified auto repair technician take a look at your brakes when there’s no chance of an accident if they fail. One way to do this is to take advantage of inspection specials sometimes offered by auto repair shops in the Wonder Lake area.

Performance Unlimited is nearby and offering a Spring Special Free Brake and Safety Inspection when you bring your vehicle in for a non-discounted oil change. The inspection is valued at $40. It will make sure brake shoes and brake pads have sufficient linings. It will inspect rotors and drums, as well as brake lines and ABS (Anti-Locking Braking System) equipment.

When leaving Performance Unlimited, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing your brakes are up to the task should you find yourself in an emergency. That emergency might not happen in Wonder Lake or anywhere near emergency services. But, if it does happen, with good working brakes, you’ll have the best possible opportunity to avoid an accident.