Categorized | Car Repair

A Simple Guide to Maintaining Car Brakes

Maintaining Car BrakesAn automobiles break system is perhaps the most important component of the car. A simple malfunction can make a car fail to start up or stop unexpectedly if not addressed soon enough. It is therefore important for vehicle owners to know all the essentials with regard to maintenance and inspection checks. Basic maintenance is a simple task that anyone can carry out but it needs to be complemented with regular servicing by a professional automotive repair company. Maintaining the breaks in good shape will keep the car safe for driving and increase its durability. Visits to the automobile repair center should be tracked and regular appointments made.

Image Source – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disc_brake

Routine Maintenance

The first and most important thing to note is that the car user manual is always the place to start. It gives all trouble shooting information about that auto mobiles system and specifics. There are also different types of brake systems and the manual accurately indicates the type of brake system installed in the vehicle. With that done, the other steps include; gauging and evaluating the sensation from pressing on the pedals, checking the brake lining and inspecting the brake cylinder to see if it has enough fluid. If the cylinder is not full, there might be a leakage or a problem with the brake lines. It is also fundamental to have the brake fluid flushed out after every two years and refresh it with a fresh one. The brake belts should also be inspected often for wear and tear and also to see if they are holding tension as required.

Signs that your brakes need replacing

For maximum efficiency, the brake system is supposed to be repaired or replaced after it wears out beyond the acceptable limit. Some of the obvious signs that the breaks need to be repaired are; slow response time between stepping on the pedal and the car stopping, break light not showing on the dashboard, screeching sound or sudden stopping of the car. It is relatively easy to tell that something is not in place with the breaks from the sensation it gives. As highlighted earlier, these warning signs must never be ignored as they are part of a critical safety system. A professional mechanic should have a look at the system and recommend whether the diagnosis needs a simple repair or an entire replacement.

The importance of replacing worn brakes

Burnt down pedal pads and brakes that have the above problems must be replaced because they might be the thin line between life and death from a faulty brake system on the road. Being frugal by extending brake life for too long is never a smart or safe move. In the end, it will cost more money to replace the whole brake system so it is better to deal with problems as they arise.

If you’re thinking of changing your brake pads yourself always use always try to get the best floor jack and stands you can afford.

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