Safe on the Road: 5 Essential Car Brake Maintenance Tips
Every driver needs to ensure their brakes are in good working order. During the winter, snow and ice may be a concern, although these conditions aren’t as common in this part of the country. On those occasions when winter weather strikes, a person must know their car can operate as expected. When summer rolls around, wet roads can be dangerous if brakes malfunction.
Failure to maintain the car brakes could reduce the vehicle’s lifespan and performance. Improper brake maintenance may also contribute to an accident, leading to injuries or the death of one or more parties.
Common Issues With Brakes
Brake systems are made up of several parts. A problem in one part can lead to dysfunction throughout the system. Brake pads clamp down on giant metal discs known as rotors when the driver applies the brake pedal.
The friction between the two parts slows the car, eventually bringing it to a halt. Calipers are responsible for squeezing the pads against rotors, and brake fluid is needed to transfer pressure from the brake pedal to the vehicle’s wheels.
When brake pads lose grip, the driver hears a grinding noise and finds it takes longer to stop the car. Vibrations or pulsations felt in the steering wheel suggest a rotor problem. Heat has probably warped the discs. Any brake fluid leak can be dangerous, leading to a mushy pedal and weakening the entire brake system.
Knowing the warning signs of these common issues is essential. This information makes it easier to pinpoint the problem and complete the necessary maintenance to get the brake system operating correctly again. Most people find they can complete many repairs on their own.
Brake Maintenance Schedules
Most vehicle owner manuals recommend a brake maintenance schedule. Expert mechanics recommend examining the brake pads every 12,000 miles and replacing the fluid every 25,000 miles. However, these figures are estimates. The maintenance interval also depends on the vehicle and the driving styles of those who operate it. What tasks should be carried out regularly?
Brake Pads and Rotors
Without brake pads and rotors, a vehicle couldn’t stop. These components connect the brake system and the vehicle’s tires. They wear down quickly and need maintenance regularly to ensure the brakes will work when needed.
Heat builds up when friction between the brake pads and the tires occurs. This heat leads to the deterioration of the brake pads. Drivers must inspect the pads regularly to ensure their quality and depth are sufficient to provide the resistance needed to stop the vehicle.
When the brake pedal must be depressed further to get the car to stop, or there is a burning odor when the brakes are applied, check the brake pads and rotors. The vehicle may also take significantly longer to stop, which could lead to an accident. Remove the tires and examine the pads and rotors. Wear or damage to either the pads or rotors must be addressed immediately.
Brake Fluid
When a driver depresses the brake pedal, pressure builds within the system. Brake fluid helps transfer pressure from the master cylinder to the caliper via the brake lines. This pressure then moves to the brake pads and rotors. The system won’t work correctly without this fluid to act as a messenger.
Brake fluid attracts moisture. Any moisture in the braking system can damage it and lead to corrosion of metal parts. It also reduces the brake fluid’s boiling point and the system’s effectiveness. Drivers should check and change this fluid every 25,000 miles. If the fluid is cloudy or milky, it must be changed sooner.
Brake Lines
When flushing the brake lines to change the fluid, bleed the lines to eliminate excess air. Small amounts of air trapped in the brake lines reduce the system’s effectiveness. To bleed the brakes, depress the brake pedal and adjust the bleeder valve simultaneously. Do this every two or three years during a scheduled brake inspection.
Brake Parts
Certain parts of the braking system may need to be replaced. Upgrade to specialized components or those that offer better performance. Slotted disc brakes are one option to consider because they resist more heat. Ceramic pads are quiet and create less dust, so don’t overlook this option. Replacing and upgrading parts helps extend the lifespan of the braking system while improving its performance.
Caring for the System
Owners need to monitor the braking system to ensure its performance. External factors play a role in brake deterioration. For example, carrying too much weight in a vehicle can harm this system, as can braking unnecessarily, late, or heavily.
Wet weather can also damage the system. Try to avoid these situations and others that may harm you. Doing so will allow the system to perform better while reducing the risk of an accident related to brake failure.
Why Call the Pros
Although brake tasks might seem simple, nobody wants to get midway through maintenance or a repair only to find they don’t have the tools to do the job. They must borrow a tool or take a trip to the store to pick one up. If the car they are working on is the only one they have, getting the tool will be difficult, as the vehicle isn’t running.
The owner might pick up the wrong part and be in the same situation. Even worse, they may start the repair or maintenance only to discover they don’t know what they are doing and need a professional mechanic to finish the job.
Trained mechanics get the job right done quickly and possibly save the owner money when doing so. Furthermore, they ensure the car is safe to drive before returning it to the owner. No price can be put on the peace of mind that comes with knowing this work has been done correctly.
Brakes are essential for the safe operation of any moving vehicle. Every driver must ensure their braking system is in excellent running condition to protect themselves and others from harm. Regular maintenance and timely repairs go a long way to achieving this goal. Complete these tasks as scheduled or turn to a mechanic for help. Either way, confirm they are done.
