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The braking system of your car is like your first line of defense on the road. It prevents you from colliding with other vehicles and pedestrians on the road. Hence, it is essential to maintain every component of the braking system, including the brake pads, rotors, master cylinder, calipers, etc., to ensure your safety, along with the safety of every other person or vehicle around you. Although it sounds complicated, brake maintenance is easy. You just need to follow these tips.
- Maintain the brake pads and rotors
By merely taking care of the brake pads and rotors of your car, you can enhance the performance and life of the entire braking system. As they are more susceptible to wear and tear, they require frequent maintenance.
They are the point of contact between the tires and the braking system. The friction between the brake pads and tires generates heat that negatively impacts the brake pads. Frequently check the depth and quality of the brake pads. They should have sufficient resistance to function properly.
If your car takes longer to come to a halt, you need to push harder on the brake pedal, or you smell a burning odor, get the system checked. You may need to replace the brake pads and rotors.
You can check the condition of this system at home as well. Remove the tire and inspect the system. If you see signs of wear, get them replaced.
- Flush the brake fluid
When you place your foot on the brake pedal, pressure builds up, and through the brake fluid, it reaches the calipers from the master cylinder, passing through the brake lines. This pressure is further transferred to brake pads and rotors.
Moisture entrapped in the brake fluid leads to corrosion on the metal components of the system. Furthermore, it also reduces fluid’s boiling point, hampering its effectiveness.
Flushing brake fluid revitalizes the entire system and helps to boost the function of brake pads and rotors. Change the fluid every 25,000 miles. Or, if the fluid appears milky or cloudy even before you reach the 25,000 miles mark, change it right away.
- Bleed the brake lines
While you flush the brake fluid, bleed the brake lines as well. It is necessary to remove the air entrapped inside the brake lines. This air meddles with the braking system and makes it less efficient.
Bleed the brake lines every two to three years.
- Upgrade or replace the parts
Your braking system is constantly at work. It is liable to undergo premature wear and tear, making it necessary for you to upgrade or replace some parts to restore their optimum function. Rotors, pads, brake booster, and every other component of the braking system get less efficient with time.
Get the system checked frequently and upgrade or replace the components to enhance the performance and longevity of the braking system.
- Steer clear from speeding
When you drive at high speed, you naturally use the brakes excessively. This frequent pressure on the brakes damages them, taking a toll on their performance and shelf life. Pressing brakes all of a sudden also hampers the braking system, especially pads and rotors. Heavy, late, and unnecessary braking are the enemies of the braking system.
Hence, drive at a comfortable speed and press the brakes slowly and steadily.
- Don’t carry too much weight
If you have a habit of carrying a lot of weight in your car, your braking system can fail prematurely. Weight harms the performance and life of the braking system. Try to keep your car light.
The bottom line
The condition of your braking system determines your safety on the road. Hence, maintain all the components of the system. Steer clear from driving practices that damage the braking system.
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