Many people rely on their vehicles to get them from place to place, safely. Maintaining critical engine and operating parts is not usually at the top of our list until something goes wrong. While changing your oil or their fluids are some things that you can put off for a little while, brake maintenance is not one of those things. Being able to stop your vehicle when necessary is kind of important. It can seem like a daunting (or nagging task) but responsible vehicle owners will always make time of this important component.
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Prioritizing safety related components of you vehicle can definitely help in reducing the possibility of a crash. As often as possible, drivers should make it a regular habit to check their car right before driving regardless of the distance of the destination. Always remember that safety should be a priority every day whether you are headed for a long drive or just around the block.
Automotive brakes are among the most important mechanisms of a car. These car brakes safety and maintenance tips ensure the safety and functionality of the brakes. Aside from that, they also help in ensuring a much longer life span of the braking system.
- Check the brake fluid. There is always a need to make sure that the brake fluid is good and most of all, it should be in its appropriate level. If the brake fluid has a milky color, it means that condensation or the water has infiltrated the fluid and you will need to change it. Leaving the contaminated brake fluid can damage or destroy the cylinder in the break system and it also deteriorates the wheel cylinders.
- Bleed the brake lines. This is mainly done to get the air out of them. Usually, it requires two individuals to do the work. One would pump the brake pedals while the other one would watch over the bleeder valve taking caution to close the valve when fluid starts to flow through.
- To ensure that the rotors and brake pads are still good, you must inspect it regularly. You can do this by removing your car’s tire. If you notice that the brake pads are showing wherein you cannot see much of the pad, then it is a sign that you need to replace them.
How Do you Know if the Car Brakes are in Bad Shape?
Here are some of the most common signs of brake wear to be on the lookout for:
- When the car brakes are applied, they sink softly and slowly
This happens if there is a huge amount of air trapped or because of lack of enough brake oil. Bleeding the break lines and checking the brake fluid are a must in this situation.
- Your car pulls to one side once when the brakes are applied
This usually means that the car brakes are not in their right position. This type of work usually requires the skilled hand of a mechanic so get check-ups and estimates on this type of work.
- It is hard to press down on the brake pedals
When you push the car brake, they do not sink much if at all. If you have power brakes, then it is a sign that there might be a leakage in the assist unit and in the vacuum. On the other hand, in normal brakes, it is a sign that there might be a crack in the brake line.
- When the car brakes are applied, there is a squeaky sound
If you are hearing this sound frequently, it means that the brake pad has worn out. The two metals are rubbing against each other, which produce the sound. This is not only annoying but can be dangerous.
- There is a vibration when pressing the car brakes
It means that your car’s brake rotors, as well as the pads, have worn out. Replacing them is imperative.
These are some of the signs to lookout for to identify problems with your brakes. Fixing any known issues as quickly as possible is of utmost importance. Some work like replacing the brake liquid is something you can or friend or family member can do. On the other hand, if the work required us more complicated such as a hydraulic leakage or even the damages of the airline, it is always a great idea to get it fixed by a professional.
Luckily, there are many new kinds of internet based diagnostics tools as well as devices you can buy. Unlike before, maintaining the overall condition of cars these days is much easier thanks to the advanced tools, equipment, and products. With all these things in mind, you have both the reason and the resources to take care of problems before they contribute to a crash.
24 comments
I usually hear some kinch sound when my brakes are in a bad shape. The sound arises from friction on the brake pads. Such noise can also be an indication to bad brakes.
Hello Richard. Exactly. Thank you for your contribution.
Car brakes are an important part of any vehicle, although we don’t take care of them regularly, brake maintenance is not common.
You have covered all the points regarding brakes especially about the brake fluids.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your feedback, Richard. We’ll keep sharing important ideas about car maintenance with everyone.
These are a few car brake safety measures that you can follow to keep your car in the best condition. These car brakes safety and maintenance tips ensure the safety and functionality of the brakes. They also help in ensure a much longer lifespan of the braking system. You can check everything before you start driving.
You got my attention when you said that if everytime I hit the brakes, I hear a loud squealing sound, then it’s time to get it checked. According to you, this occurs when the two metals rub against one another. Well, the first time that I hear my brakes squeal was during the last storm and then it persisted after that, making loud noises even when the roads are dry. It might be a good idea to get it checked by a mechanic right away. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for joining the discussion Allen. Better to be safe than sorry!
Being able to stop your vehicle when necessary, brake is the most important thing to do this job. Although all passengers or drivers know its maintenance, still they forget to keep it in good condition. As often as possible drivers should make it a regular habit to check their car right before driving regardless of the distance of the destination. Prioritizing safety related component brake is playing major role to keep you safe on the road. Hence it should be kept in well maintained by maintaining its fluid level at its safety level. To ensure that the rotors and brake pads are still good, you must inspect it regularly. Thus a car having good functional brake can assist you on the road by reducing the chance of accident of collision.
Thanks for your comment Lucero! Definitely worth taking the time for preventative maintenance to ensure continued safety on the road.
Car brakes are really important. Thanks for sharing these tips. I will keep these in mind.
Can’t drive without them! 🙂
great post, everyone know brakes are the most important part of the car. I always prefer quality brakes for my car.
can never go wrong with quality brakes!
I like that you talked about taking your car in if you keep constantly hearing your metals rubbing against each other. I have been hearing this weird squeak when I drive recently. I can see how it would be nice to take it in soon so I don’t have to worry about getting in an accident.
It’s so important to have your brakes inspected on a regular bases. In my state, safety inspections aren’t required every year so I always make sure to have my breaks inspected when I have regular maintenance done. I just feel safer knowing that my brakes are in good shape.
agreed Lillian. Can’t put a price on peace of mind.
I’ve owned a Porsche now for 5 years, and I’ve never had any problems with my brakes. 3 weeks ago the car started to vibrate when I’d press the brakes. I wasn’t sure what the problem was until I read this article.
glad we could help Jeff 🙂
Yes, everyone knows that brake is one of the most essential safety features of car, still many people slips its maintenance task. I don’t know the reasons and I don’t want to know because from my point of view, it is one of such task which should never be skipped. It is mainly because brake is that component of car which keeps us and our beloved ones safe at the time of driving on the road. It also improves handling capacity. That is why, concerning ours and other passengers safety we should never ignore brake maintenance, rather we should replace the brake pads, brake fluids timely and inspect the whole system minutely before each drive.
I would say car brakes are the most important part of a vehicle. Because it saves you and your passengers life as well as the other commuters on the road. If there is failing brake, the situation can be unimaginable. So it should be top priority for the car owners to take care of the brakes. In my last vehicle, it was hard to brake down on the brake pedals. I took to the automotive center and there I get some valuable info about my car maintenance apart from the quick fixing of the brake issues. They have the advanced equipment and skills to diagnose any issue your car may have.
safety is very important when you travel. always check your vehicle brakes, oil etc. when you go for a long weekend or trip with your family. great post thanks for sharing it.
My car pulls to one side when I push my brakes. I didn’t realize that it could be a sign that my brakes are out of place. That sounds really dangerous. I will have to find somebody to take a look at them and see if they can be fixed so I can stay safe.
Absolutely. Hope you were able to get this fixed up.
Safety is the main priority when you travel. In order to do so, you must check your car always and have car maintenance regularly. Car breaks does an important job in a car, you have to see to it that it works well by following these safety tips.