Don"t Let Worn Brakes Compromise Your Safety
Your brakes play a major role in the overall safety of your vehicle.
Drivers expect them to work properly and consistently.
Unfortunately, neglecting regular maintenance can compromise the performance of your brakes and the safety of your passengers.
Regular inspections will ensure that all the components of your braking system are working correctly.
Aside from regular inspections, there are some warning signs that your brakes may be damaged or worn.
The first indication may be hearing a high-pitched squeaking or squealing sound on a regular basis while braking.
If this occurs, your brake pads may need to be replaced.
Secondly, drivers may visually inspect their vehicle's disc brakes by taking a peek between the wheel spokes at your brake pads.
The outside brake pad will be pressed up against a metal rotor.
Ideally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of pad remaining.
If it appears there is less than that amount, it may be time to have your mechanic install new pads.
Another warning sign that your brakes need to be serviced is when the brakes are not as responsive as normal, or if you find yourself putting the pedal to the floor in order to stop.
This might be a sign of a brake fluid leak or air leak in the brake hose.
If you hear loud grinding or a rumbling sound during braking, it means the pads have been totally worn down.
More serious damage can be caused; as the calipers will physically scrape against the rotors causing damage that can only be remedied by turning or replacing the rotors entirely.
Although heavy vibration and wobbling can sometimes mean the vehicle is out of alignment, vibrating when braking can mean warped rotors if you notice that it occurs when the anti-lock system is not engaged.
If you vehicle begins to pull to one side while braking, it could mean that your brake linings are wearing unevenly.
This could also be an indication that there may be some foreign matter in the brake fluid.
Aside from keeping your brakes in ideal condition, there are a few things that drivers can do to decrease the chance of a collision while braking.
Keeping your brakes in good condition and properly calibrated can prevent future costly repairs, and more importantly, keep you and your passengers safe.
Drivers expect them to work properly and consistently.
Unfortunately, neglecting regular maintenance can compromise the performance of your brakes and the safety of your passengers.
Regular inspections will ensure that all the components of your braking system are working correctly.
Aside from regular inspections, there are some warning signs that your brakes may be damaged or worn.
The first indication may be hearing a high-pitched squeaking or squealing sound on a regular basis while braking.
If this occurs, your brake pads may need to be replaced.
Secondly, drivers may visually inspect their vehicle's disc brakes by taking a peek between the wheel spokes at your brake pads.
The outside brake pad will be pressed up against a metal rotor.
Ideally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of pad remaining.
If it appears there is less than that amount, it may be time to have your mechanic install new pads.
Another warning sign that your brakes need to be serviced is when the brakes are not as responsive as normal, or if you find yourself putting the pedal to the floor in order to stop.
This might be a sign of a brake fluid leak or air leak in the brake hose.
If you hear loud grinding or a rumbling sound during braking, it means the pads have been totally worn down.
More serious damage can be caused; as the calipers will physically scrape against the rotors causing damage that can only be remedied by turning or replacing the rotors entirely.
Although heavy vibration and wobbling can sometimes mean the vehicle is out of alignment, vibrating when braking can mean warped rotors if you notice that it occurs when the anti-lock system is not engaged.
If you vehicle begins to pull to one side while braking, it could mean that your brake linings are wearing unevenly.
This could also be an indication that there may be some foreign matter in the brake fluid.
Aside from keeping your brakes in ideal condition, there are a few things that drivers can do to decrease the chance of a collision while braking.
- When driving on wet or slippery roads, be aware that the road will provide less friction to your tires and may result in longer stopping distances than dry roads.
- Underinflated, worn, or damaged tires can reduce the effectiveness of your vehicle's brakes.
- Be sure to pay attention while driving.
The time it takes for a driver to react to a situation and engage the brakes can greatly influence the occurrence of an accident. - Don't follow too closely behind other vehicles.
Give yourself plenty of room to stop quickly if needed. - Be sure you know how to use your brakes properly.
For example, if your car is equipped with an antilock brake system (ABS), you should not pump your brakes during a quick stop.
Keeping your brakes in good condition and properly calibrated can prevent future costly repairs, and more importantly, keep you and your passengers safe.
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