Quality Brake Repair: What To Look For In This Service
March 22, 2023The Complete Guide to Auto Mechanics
April 3, 2023Who knew so much goes into the brakes we use daily? Brakes include drums, shoes, cylinders, and calipers! Here’s what you should do to keep your brakes functioning as they should be, and how you can address any strange noises coming from them when you put on the brakes.
The lifespan of your brakes can be prolonged by practicing good driving habits and following these routine maintenance steps.
- Cheks pads and rotors: To avoid accidents, it is essential to have your brake pads and rotors checked once a year by experts. When you press the brake pedal, it creates friction and heat that wears down these parts over time. By examining them regularly, we can prevent major damage and replace them if necessary.
- Flush the System: You may need to routinely flush fluid or bleed air from the lines to maintain your brake system. Depending on how often you use your brakes, it’s suggested that you flush and replace the brake fluid every 25,000 miles. You probably won’t need to have the line bled more than once every three years.
- Check Brake Calipers: Every two years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first), calipers should be cleaned and lubricated to make sure they’re always operating correctly. What are calipers? They’re the part of a vehicle’s disc brake system that generates friction within the rotors.
Avoid Overloading the Car: When your car has heavy luggage, the brakes have to work harder and aren’t as effective. Overloading your car shortens the lifespan of your brakes and makes them less safe. Keep your vehicle lightweight by only carrying items you need in the car, this will lighten the load on both yourself and your brake pads.
Now, let’s look at the signs you should look out for if your brakes are failing:
- Brake light turns on: The good news is that your vehicle has a warning light for your brakes. The bad news is that unless you read the code, you may not always know what the problem is. Some common reasons for the brake light to come on include
- – Low brake fluid
- – The emergency brake is engaged
- – ABS issues
- – Worn-out brake pads
- – Faulty brake light bulbs
- Noisy Brakes: If you hear unsavory noises emanating from your brakes, don’t simply roll up the windows and forget about it. These may be indications that something is caught in your brake pads, they are overworn, or the calipers need to be replaced.
- Unusual Vibration: If you experience any substantial shaking or vibrating when braking, it may be due to an issue with the rotors. When rotors become uneven from wear and tear, they’re not as effective at absorbing friction. And if you feel like your vehicle is being pulled to one side when you brake, calipers or hoses might be the problem.
Now you know the basics and how to maintain them and what to look for when your brakes might be failing. Also, making a routine inspection every once in a while would be ideal for keeping them in good shape and avoiding any future costly brake repairs.