When it comes to safety features, today’s cars have come a long way in terms of intelligence and technology. One thing that hasn’t changed is that these features require maintenance, especially frequently used parts such as your car’s brakes. Because brakes are the only component that can slow down your vehicle or bring it to a stop, it’s essential you take care of them.
Brake Fluid
One simple way to keep your brakes in excellent shape is ensuring your car has plenty of brake fluid. Brake pistons and calipers rely on pressure from the brake fluid to work correctly. If the fluid is too low, then there won’t be enough pressure to propel those parts. Your owner’s manual will tell you where your vehicle’s brake fluid reservoir is located and how much fluid it requires. If you have anti-lock brakes, your manual will indicate whether you need to pump the brakes before opening the reservoir.
When you’re ready to open the reservoir, make sure that the top is free of dirt. Dirty brake fluid can cause your brakes to fail. If the fluid in the reservoir is dark, you should have it replaced by a professional. But if the fluid is clear, you can just top it off according to the owner’s manual guidelines.
Visual Inspection
Every 10,000 miles or so recorded on your car’s odometer, you should take a close look at your brake pads, discs, and calipers. To get a clear view of these pieces, you’ll need to remove a front wheel. If you see a lot of rust on the discs or uneven wear, you’ll need to have them replaced. Grab the calipers and see if they wiggle, which they shouldn’t, or if they’re securely in place. If your brake pads are less than 3 millimeters thick, you need new ones. A professional can measure them for you if you’re not sure how thick they are.
Signs of Potential Brake Failure
In addition to checking the brake fluid and visually inspecting your car’s brake components, you should also pay attention to your brakes when driving. If your brakes squeak when you apply them, there’s a good chance that the brake pads have worn away. While you’ll still be able to brake your car, if you do so without brake pads at length, the discs could be damaged permanently. Discs are much more expensive to replace than brake pads, so replace your worn brake pads as soon as possible.
Another sign to look out for is brake pedal vibration, which happens when the brake rotors slip out of place. To correct this issue, your mechanic will have to realign the rotors. Also, if your car pulls left or right when you apply the brakes, you should have your mechanic check for leaky hoses or a worn-out master cylinder. You might also have a busted caliper, which could be extremely dangerous because it could cause your brakes to freeze up when driving.
As you can see, there are several things you can do to ensure your brakes work properly. By following these tips, you can drive more safely and with confidence.
Image via Pixabay
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