If you drive, you know the importance of being able to stop your vehicle quickly and safely. Your vehicle's brake system is needed daily and should be checked routinely to make sure that it is working properly. Here are some of the things that you may need to repair on your vehicle if the brakes start to fail. Take a look at the list and if any of the symptoms seem to match ones that your vehicle is exhibiting, take your vehicle to your mechanic, such as National Transmission Inc, to have a check done of your braking system.
Brake Fluid
You should check the brake fluid in your vehicle every few weeks to make sure there are no leaks in the reservoir or the brake lines. If you notice any puddles underneath your vehicle, you may have a brake fluid leak. If the level of brake fluid is less than expected, add to the fill line and check again after driving your vehicle. If the level goes down, you may need to have your brake lines or the reservoir itself, repaired or replaced.
Brake Pads
The brake pads on your vehicle are used as a safety buffer in keeping your brakes from wearing prematurely. Each time you press your foot to the brake pedal, the brakes will push into the brake pads when the vehicle comes to a stop. The pads will eventually wear from being used daily. If you hear a squealing sound when you brake or if you feel that you are not stopping as quickly or abruptly as you recall in the past, you may need to have the brake pads replaced.
Brakes
The brakes on your vehicle will wear in time, as well. The brake pads will keep them from wearing quickly, but if you do not get to replace your brake pads quickly enough, your brakes will be soon to follow. The squealing sound you had heard with brake pad wear will be even louder when the brakes are worn. You will want to bring your vehicle to a repair shop immediately to keep yourself safe when driving it.
Rotors
If you do not fix your brakes when you are given the squeaking warning, your rotors will be the next in line for repair. Your brakes will start to cut into your rotors, making them smooth and not a good gripping material to make a stop. You will need to have them recut or replaced depending on the amount of wear. You can usually get your rotors recut a time or two before needing to replace them.
Share7 January 2015
When I was little, I'd watch old movies with my grandfather. One of my favorite scenes was when Steve McQueen tried to jump that big fence on his motorcycle in "The Great Escape." After I saw that, I just wanted a motorcycle. I was obsessed with them! My grandpa knew that, and he helped me build one for myself. He took me shopping for all the parts, taught me about the mechanics of it all, and walked me through all the building and repairs. Since then, my love has expanded to all things that run with a motor, including cars. Even though I'm not a professional, I'm quite skilled, and that has proven handy when it comes to my own repairs and the simple enjoyment of riding my bikes. Check out my blog!
