Whether you drive a truck, car or SUV, brakes are one of the most important features designed to keep you and others safe. Like all parts of your vehicle, brakes go through normal wear and tear and require maintenance before anything goes wrong. Driving is unpredictable, and between other drivers and road conditions, you have to be constantly alert, responding quickly to keep yourself safe. Improperly working brakes can jeopardize not only your own welfare, but that of others as well. So as a driver, you need to know proper brake service to keep everything running smoothly. Here are three things to keep in mind about brake maintenance.
1. Be Attentive to Warning Signs
Your vehicle comes equipped with lights in the dashboard that illuminate when the vehicle senses that something is wrong, but this is not always the best way to tell if your brakes need servicing. The vehicle’s computer is sometimes not sensitive enough to detect when something is wrong, so you must rely on yourself to assess the situation. While braking, if you experience strange noises, such as squealing or grinding, your brakes might not be functioning properly. Similarly, pulsing and vibrating when you brake are common indicators that there is a malfunction in the braking system. If you wait too long to service your brakes, there could be costly damage done to the vehicle as a result of metal-on-metal grinding.
2. Educate Yourself on Types of Brakes
Not all vehicles come with the same type of brakes, so you should know what kind your vehicle has. Learning which type of brake your vehicle has helps you understand more about what kind of brake service you might need. The first type is anti-lock brakes that stop your vehicle from skidding when you brake by preventing the wheels from locking. These brakes ensure that the tires maintain traction even while braking for safer stops. Another type of brake is the emergency brake, or hand brake, that keeps your vehicle from moving while it is stopped. If necessary, this brake can also be used to stop a moving vehicle if regular brakes give out. A third type is disk brakes, which use pads on calipers to squeeze against a rotor, preventing the wheels from moving. Drum brakes, the fourth kind, slow the vehicle by applying pressure with pads outward against the brake drum.
3. Remember To Service Your Vehicle
Your vehicle should be regularly inspected and, if needed, serviced so that it continues running well. Preventative maintenance, especially for brakes, is one of the best ways to keep yourself safe and your vehicle in great condition. Replacing brakes or getting new parts before something goes wrong prevents costly damages that come from neglecting to service your vehicle. Regular inspections give you the opportunity to better understand your vehicle and what it needs
Brake Maintenance for Safety
Brakes are necessary for keeping everyone on the road safe, so brake service must not be overlooked. Many disasters can be easily prevented by regularly inspecting your brakes for any anomalies or extreme wear and tear.
