Basic Things to Know About Brake Repair

What do you know for sure about brake repair? You probably know that brakes are the automotive component that stops your car when you push the pedal down. You might know that they sometimes squeak. You might also know that without them, you'd be in big danger on the freeway. But what else do you know? Here is a run-down of some myths and facts.

Owners' manuals don't contain any truly useful information: This is false. While some motorists might think these books are just advertising or nothing of consequence, nothing could be further from the truth. These manuals hold valuable information between their covers. Where everything is located on the car, what all the knobs and gadgets can do, what to do in case of an emergency and when the cars should be serviced - all this info and more is waiting there for an owner to peruse. One of the items listed in the book is when to get brakes serviced for a particular make and model of a vehicle. Read and learn.

Screeching sounds are normal: No, that would be false. When screeching and squeaks begin to occur every time the car is slowed down or stopped, this likely means the parts are wearing out and need replacing or servicing. There are times when the noises are being caused by debris or dust but it will take the eyes and ears of a trained mechanic to know for sure.

Do-it-yourselfers can take care of their own brake repair: This may be true, depending on the level of expertise of the DIYer. Some individuals are very mechanically inclined and have had training by their parent, friend or the local community college's automotive 101 course. For these average Joes and Janes, it may be possible for them to replace worn-out pads and service their own halting system. For most people who aren't really sure how to work on a car or lack the proper tools, it's best to have the job done by a trained and certified mechanic. You don't want to be driving down the road and realize you didn't really know what you were doing when you fixed the brakes.

Who you are and where you drive doesn't matter: This is another false belief. A person's driving style will impact their vehicle. If they're speed demons who love to slam on the brakes at red lights, they will likely need more servicing and repairs than other more sedate drivers. If the person lives in a hilly region where they must climb up mountains to get home, they will likely be braking more often. If they tow trailers regularly, this will also wear out the systems more rapidly as it takes more oomph to stop all that weight.

When it comes to brake repair, there are lots of beliefs that are inaccurate. The halting system in a vehicle is what makes the difference between safe stops and collisions. In order to stay safe on the road, it's important to check out the owner's manual for servicing schedules, listen to the odd sounds playing from your car, and pay attention to your driving style and conditions.