The maintenance of the braking system in vehicles is critical, but the servicing process can be easily overlooked. In simple terms, the components in the braking system such as brake pads and rotors wear away gradually. Therefore, you are unlikely to notice the difference in the performance, even though the response between new and worn brake components is exponentially different. Vehicle owners might not identify any issues until the braking system deteriorates completely or fails. Fortunately, you can promote the performance of the brakes by carrying out regular maintenance tasks. Here are some simple guidelines to get you started on the work.
Check the Brake Fluid
You should assess the condition of the brake fluid frequently if you want your braking system to perform at optimal levels. Basically, the brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid which is responsible for turning the force applied by the foot to the pedal into pressure. This is transferred through the system to the brake pads. The fluid also amplifies the overall braking force, ensuring that light pressure on the brake pedal will stop the vehicle. In general, you should check the level of the brake fluid and ensure that the quantity is appropriate. You can top up when the capacity drops for better performance. If there are contaminants, change the fluid because it will wear away the internal components.
Choose the Right Replacement Pads
The brake pads are crucial in a braking system because they help generate the friction which retards the vehicle's motion. Unfortunately, this constant exposure to the high friction means that the pads are prone to accelerated wear. Therefore, you will need to perform replacements as part of your auto maintenance. Generally, you can choose between metallic and non-metallic brake pads during this process.
The metallic products are normally advertised as life-time brake pads. This is because the metal is resistant to wear from the constant abrasion. On the other hand, these brakes will accelerate the wear of rotors, and they generate a lot of noise. Alternatively, you can choose non-metallic products like ceramic pads. These will require regular replacement, but they will operate quietly and prevent accelerated wear of the rotors.
Inspect the Lines
You should regularly check the condition of the brake lines and even the master cylinder. These components are responsible for holding and transferring the brake fluid. If they are torn, cracked or broken, they will not be able to transfer the braking force. Therefore, inspect the lines for leaks, especially if the brake fluid level reduces unexpectedly.
Share9 January 2017
If you drive a lot for business, you probably put a lot of kilometres on your vehicle. Whether you are driving from client to client in the same city or driving across the country, your vehicle needs to be well prepared for the journey. You don't want to miss out on a great opportunity because your car has broken down on the way to the meeting. Hi, my name is Carla, and I've been stranded on the side of the road, desperately trying to reach a client to reschedule. After that experience, however, I decided that I needed to pay more attention to auto service, and recently I decided to create this blog to help others in similar situations. Thanks for reading! I hope my tips help you!
