Brake Maintenance
As a driver, it is essential to keep your vehicle’s brakes in top condition to ensure your safety and that of others on the road. Brake faults can be dangerous, causing accidents and even fatalities.Â
In this blog post, we explore the importance of brake maintenance, the dangers of poor brakes, and how to extend their lifespan. We also highlight some of the most common brake faults and why regular brake inspections are so important.Â
At Roade Main Garage, we offer a wide range of brake services to keep your brakes functioning correctly, providing you with peace of mind while driving.Â
Read on to learn more about keeping your brakes safe and saving money.
Keeping Your Brakes in Good Condition
An essential safety feature of any vehicle is its brakes. In order to stop your vehicle safely, you need to be able to control the speed of your vehicle.Â
Worn brakes can cause a vehicle to handle poorly, making it difficult to stop or manoeuvre and increasing the risk of an accident. Furthermore, failing brakes can cause longer stopping distances, skidding, and in the worst cases, total brake failure. In order to ensure everyone’s safety on the road, including the driver, passengers, and other road users, it is imperative to maintain properly working brakes.
Our team at Roade Main Garage recognises the vital role that brakes play in keeping drivers safe on the road. That’s why we have a team of expert technicians who can identify any issues with your brake system and provide you with the best solution to keep your brakes in optimal condition. You can trust our skilled brake technicians to prioritise the safety of your vehicle’s brakes.
Brakes: How Do They Work?
As a driver, it’s essential to understand how your car’s brakes work to ensure your safety and that of others on the road. So, let us explain.
When you press down on the brake pedal, a lever forces hydraulic fluid into a piston connected to a master cylinder. In this hydraulic system, pressure is multiplied, and the brakes are applied, bringing the vehicle to a halt.Â
Modern cars have disc brakes that consist of brake discs, a brake calliper, and brake pads. On either side of the disc, the brake calliper houses the brake pads. As a result of hydraulic fluid forcing the brake pads to squeeze the disc, the vehicle slows down as a result of friction.
Modern cars also feature anti-lock brake systems (ABS). An ABS uses sensors to monitor wheel speeds and a computer to control the brakes in an emergency. It prevents the wheels from locking up, which can cause skidding and loss of control.
If you suspect that your brakes aren’t working properly or have any concerns about their performance, have them inspected by Roade Main Garage immediately. To ensure that you are able to stop safely on the road, our experienced technicians can diagnose and repair any issues with your vehicle’s brake system.
How to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle’s Brakes
In a vehicle, the brakes are one of the most important safety features. They need to be in good working condition in order to function properly. Maintaining your vehicle’s brakes and using them properly can help them last longer. Our top tips for keeping your brakes in good condition and extending their life are as follows:
- Progressive Braking: Gradual braking involves applying gentle pressure to the brakes at first, then gradually increasing it. As a result, this allows you to develop a feel for how your brakes respond, prevents wheels from locking up, reduces skidding, and improves fuel economy. Additionally, it reduces brake wear and tear, extending the lifespan of your brake pads and discs.
- Avoid Hard Braking: The brake pads wear out quickly when you brake hard, so you need to replace them more frequently. Whenever possible, avoid hard or sudden braking.
- Avoid Overloading: When your vehicle is overloaded, the brakes are put under extra pressure, which causes them to wear out faster. Ensure that your vehicle’s weight limit is within the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Avoid Riding the Brakes: Brake riding (keeping your foot on the brake pedal for an extended period of time) generates excess heat, causing brake pads to wear out more quickly.
- Regular Brake Inspection: An inspection of the brake system on a regular basis can help detect any problems before they worsen. Our qualified technicians at Roade Main Garage can inspect your brakes during scheduled vehicle maintenance checks or if you notice any issues, such as strange noises, vibrations, or reduced stopping power.
Follow these tips to help extend the life of your brakes and keep yourself and others safe on the road. The brakes on your vehicle are an important part of maintaining your vehicle and keeping you safe.
What Types of Brake Faults Should You be Aware of?
The most important thing you can do to ensure that your brakes are functioning correctly is to be aware of any brake faults and have them fixed as soon as possible. The following are some of the most common brake faults:
- Squeaking, Grinding or Squealing Noises: If the brakes make unusual noises when you apply them, they are likely to be worn brake pads or discs or loose brake components.
- Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: Soft or spongy brake pedals may indicate air or moisture in the brake lines, a worn brake master cylinder, or other problems.
- Increased Stopping Distances: If your brakes feel less responsive or your vehicle takes longer to stop than usual, it may be due to worn brake discs or pads, a leak in the brake fluid, or other problems.
- Vibration, Wobbling, or Scraping: You may need to change your brake pads or discs if you notice these symptoms.
- Brake Warning Lights: When your brake warning light illuminates, it could indicate a problem with the brake system, such as worn brake pads or low brake fluid.
- ABS Light: The ABS warning light on your dashboard may indicate that your anti-lock brakes are malfunctioning, which requires immediate attention.
In order to prevent further damage and risks to your safety, you need to have these brake faults addressed by a qualified technician as soon as possible. In order to keep your brakes functioning correctly and keep you safe on the road, we offer a wide range of brake services at Roade Main Garage.
In Summary
It is imperative that brakes are maintained properly in order to keep everyone on the road safe. In this blog, we discussed the importance of well-maintained brakes, the dangers of poor brakes, and how to extend their lifespan. In addition, we discussed some of the most common brake faults and the importance of regular brake inspections.
In addition to inspections, repairs, and replacements, we offer our customers the best brake services to keep your brakes in good working order. If you have a problem with your brake system, our expert technicians at Roade Main Garage can diagnose and fix it, giving you peace of mind while driving.
When it comes to brakes, prevention is always better than cure. By following these tips and having your brakes checked regularly, you can keep your brakes in top condition and remain safe on the road.
Contact Roade Main Garage today to schedule a quick brake inspection and keep your vehicle’s brakes in top condition.
