As a responsible car owner, it's essential to keep your vehicle in good shape to ensure the safety of everyone inside it. Regular auto maintenance schedule is necessary to extend the lifespan of your car, and one of the essential aspects of maintaining your vehicle is brake maintenance. Ignoring brake issues can lead to serious accidents, so it's best to address them at the earliest signs. In this article, we will discuss everything about brake maintenance, including DIY options and professional services.
Signs That Indicate Brake Issues
As you drive your car, it's important to be mindful of its performance, including the braking system. Here are the most common signs that your vehicle may be experiencing brake issues :
Strange Noises
If you hear screeching, grinding, or squeaking while braking, it could be a sign that your brake pads are worn out. Don't ignore this sound, as it can lead to a more costly repair.
Spongy Brake Pedal
If the brake pedal feels soft and spongy, it could mean there's air in the brake line or a leak in the system. This issue should be addressed immediately by a professional.
Longer Stopping Distance
If you notice that your car takes longer to stop than usual, it could indicate an issue with the brake pads, rotors, or brake fluid. Don't overlook this as it can lead to dangerous situations.
Brake Warning Light
If the brake warning light on your dashboard is illuminated, it's a clear sign that your brake system needs attention. Don't neglect this warning; take it seriously.
Types of Brake Maintenance
Two types of brake maintenance are essential : DIY brake maintenance and professional brake maintenance.
DIY Brake Maintenance
Inspecting your brakes regularly is crucial to ensure their optimum performance, and you can do it easily at home. Here are some basic DIY brake maintenance tasks that you can perform at home :
- Checking brake pads for wear and replacing if necessary.
- Inspecting hydraulic fluid levels and topping up if necessary.
- Checking brake rotors for warping or damage, and replacing if necessary.
- Inspecting brake lines and hoses for slits, leaks, and damage, and replacing if necessary.
- Using high-quality brake pads and brake fluid to get the best braking performance.
Professional Brake Maintenance
While you can perform some basic brake maintenance at home yourself, it's crucial to take your vehicle to a professional for a more thorough inspection. A skilled mechanic has access to specialized tools and expertise to diagnose and fix brake issues correctly. Various brake services that professional maintenance includes are :
Inspection of Brake Pads and Rotors
A skilled mechanic will thoroughly inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, calipers, and other essential components to ensure that they meet the manufacturer's specification.
Brake Fluid Replacement
Brake fluid is crucial for the proper function of the braking system. Over time, it can become contaminated or degraded, causing issues. A professional mechanic will replace the brake fluid to ensure optimal brake performance.
Brake Caliper Service
Calipers are essential components of the brake system, and they need to be occasionally serviced. A skilled mechanic will remove the calipers, clean them properly, and re-grease the slide pins to ensure smooth and efficient braking performance.
Brake Line Inspection
The brake lines are responsible for carrying brake fluid from the master cylinder to the wheels. A professional mechanic will inspect the brake lines for leaks, corrosion, and rust and replace them if necessary.
Brake maintenance is a crucial aspect of car ownership, and it shouldn't be overlooked. It's best to address brake issues at the earliest signs to ensure the safety of everyone inside the vehicle. Regular DIY brake maintenance combined with professional services at regular intervals can help keep your car's braking system in good shape and extend its lifespan.