The average day of every driver is somewhat similar – we all face different situations in urban and suburban traffic. Traffic light signals, potholes, lack of road markings, other obstacles, and situations force us to step on the brakes often. Every time we do this, the brake pads rub against the brake disc and wear out over time. That’s why proper brake maintenance and replacement are necessary.
Although every car should have a recommended brake maintenance schedule, a good rule of thumb is to check the brakes during every major maintenance and change the fluid every 30,000 kilometers. These estimates obviously vary depending on the specific car and driving style. In the article, we will look at basic tips for proper brake maintenance that will help you stay safe on the road.
Check Brake Pads and Rotors
Your brake pads and rotors are the single most important point of contact between the brake system and your tires. Thus, they easily deteriorate and require frequent care. The friction between the tires and brake pads causes heat, which wears down the brake pads.
That’s why it’s important to check the quality of the rotors and the depth of the pads. If you need to press the brake pedal even harder, it could be a sign that you need immediate replacement of brake pads and rotors.
Change Brake Fluid on Time
Pressing the brake pedal creates pressure, which is then transmitted through the brake fluid from the master cylinder, and then to the brake lines and calipers. Therefore, brake fluid is another important element and is often known as the intermediary between you and your car’s brake system.
Be sure to check the brake fluid and change it every 30,000 kilometers. If it is cloudy or milky, it must be changed immediately.
Bleed the Brake Lines
In addition to flushing and changing the brake fluid, you should also bleed the brake line and remove excess air. Sometimes a small amount of air can get inside, which will reduce the effectiveness of the entire brake system.
By bleeding, you can remove air from the brake – it works by pressing the brake pedal while adjusting the valve, and do this every 2-3 years. Obviously, the best way to do this is to contact your nearest car service.
Replace or Upgrade Brake Parts
Sometimes your brake system needs new parts, which is a good opportunity to upgrade it to more productive or specialized components. Whether it’s disc brakes that are more heat-resistant or ceramic brake pads that are quieter and produce less dust, upgrading and replacing parts when needed will extend the life of your brake system and improve performance.
Take Care of the Brake System
Finally, you should take care of your brakes and consider them an integral part of your car. There are many external factors that contribute to their deterioration: hard braking, acceleration, and overloading the car are some of the common enemies of every brake system. Avoiding these and other situations that affect braking performance will ensure better brake performance over a longer period.
Conclusion
Regular checking and proper maintenance of car brakes is the least you can do if you want to extend the life of the brake system and improve its efficiency. If your car’s brakes are poorly maintained, you put yourself and your family at risk.