Brake failure is the most hazardous situation any driver can be in while on the road. This may result in fatal road accidents that could take your life and others who happen to share that nasty moment in traffic.
Such catastrophes are entirely avoidable, provided good maintenance is done and if the warning signs are regarded well. Understanding how brakes work, recognizing potential problems, and knowing how to keep them in perfect condition is another essential learning process for every driver. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to prevent brake failure with proper maintenance practices.
In order to take care of your brakes, it pays to understand the principles of the braking system. Most cars in these modern times have hydraulic brakes, made up of.
It is highly essential when hydraulic pressure needs to actuate the brakes. Each component plays an important role, and maintenance of each of these by the owner helps in ensuring that they all work together effectively.
Brakes will normally give you warnings before a complete failure. Being keen on these warnings will help you avoid an accident, including the following. Each time there is a squeaking or grinding noise when applying brakes, know that your brake pads are worn out. This will further affect your rotors if not attended to.
You get a feeling of vibrations when you press on the brake pedal, which is a perfect indication that your rotors are warped, needing to be resurfaced or replaced. The feeling of a soft or spongy pedal during operation indicates a problem with fluid or air in the brake lines.
Most new cars are equipped with a dash-mounted brake warning light. When this lights up, this is an assurance that you must take immediate and serious action because this is a signal of the problem with your braking system.
These are warning signs that you should never ignore. It's very substantial to have early treatment to prevent further damage and avert the possibilities of brake failure.
Brake fluid is the lifeblood of your braking system-transferring that pressure from your foot on the pedal to the very brakes themselves. Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated or low, leading to brake failure.
Weirdly, brake pads are designed to wear down over time to create friction to stop your car. On the flip side, driving on worn-out brake pads is considered one of the major causes of brake failure. Most merchanics will tell you that the best time to replace brake pads is when they wear down to about 3-4 millimeters in thickness.
It would be a good idea to visually look at the pads through the spokes of the wheel-or have a mechanic do this during general maintenance. Bad or worn-out brake pads scratch your rotors, which will be much more expensive when replacing them later.
Your tires are a big factor when it comes to your brakes working properly. Poor or under-inflated tires decrease traction, making your brakes hard to stop the car. Most importantly, on wet or icy pavement, remember to check them.
It's an all-but-certainly terrifying prospect, yet brake failure is for all practical purposes preventable with proper maintenance and attention to your vehicle's braking system.
