Tips for Proper Brake Maintenance

Did you know that 25% of cars do not pass the MOT due to deficiencies in the Brake system? Drivers don’t usually worry about brake pad and disc degradation until an unforeseen event occurs. But having a safer car is easy if you do some proper maintenance. Companies like Motor motor-doctor.co.uk can help you in the maintenance of your brakes. Next, we will explain the 9 most important tips:

1. Depending on the type of driving, the components of your car will be exposed to more or less wear. In the brake system the parts that suffer the most wear are the brake pads and discs. Drivers who often expose the car to increased braking effort (mountainous roads, driving with the car fully loaded or occasional overheating of the brake system) should check the brakes more frequently.
2. Do not overuse the brakes to avoid overheating. They will last longer in good condition. You can slow down the vehicle with the gearbox, especially on long descents (mountain passes).
3. Heed the witnesses to the car. Today most cars have brake wear warning systems and a pilot in the instrument panel will warn you in advance. If you feel that the brake pedal is spongy or goes to the bottom when you step on it, there may be air bubbles in the hydraulic circuit. Take it to the car to the workshop to make sure.
4. If you notice a slight vibration when you apply the brake, check that the brake pads and discs are in good condition. In high-speed braking, a vibration in the steering wheel may indicate that some part of the system is in poor condition, that the wheels are unbalanced or that the brake discs are warped.
5. If you find that you have to apply the brake too hard to brake, the brake pads or discs are most likely damaged. There may also be brake grease or fluid in the pads or a small amount of brake fluid. In the workshop they will be able to solve these doubts.
6. If the brake pedal sinks when you step on it, there may be a leak in the brake circuit or the brake pads are worn. You’ll need to check the entire brake circuit, check that the brake fluid reservoir is in good condition, and perhaps replace the brake pads.
7. When changing the brake pads, without having changed the discs, you may hear squeaks. But they can also indicate that something is wrong with our brake system: particles (rust, metal) on the pads or discs in poor condition.
8. If your car’s brakes are worn the braking distance increases and you will have more possibilities of having an accident. Check the brakes every time the car passes the workshop for any maintenance task. You should never let more than 20,000 km pass without checking the system. The stopping distance depends on the brake system, the condition of the tires and the shock absorbers.
9. In the workshop, you decide which brakes you want to put on your car. According to a study carried out by Road House, almost all Spanish drivers assure that the brakes are the most important thing for their safety at the wheel, but only 13.4% personally choose which components of the braking system they mount on their vehicle. Electronic aids to braking and stability of a car are of little use if brake pads and discs are not of sufficient quality and safety. Get advice before and find out what brakes are put on your car. You will drive more calmly.