Brake Repair - Day In The Life Of A Car That Needs It

If an automobile needs brake repair, it may be trying to tell its owner about it. Problem is, sometimes the motorist is just too busy, distracted or broke to do anything about it. Brakes, though, are not something to procrastinate about. Not being able to stop a speeding vehicle is dangerous to the automobile, the driver, the passengers and all people, autos and property in the surrounding vicinity. Not taking care of an integral part of the operating systems will only lead to bigger problems and more expensive repairs. Here's what the day in the life of a car needing brake repair might seem like.

Morning

In the morning, it's time to start up and drive the owner to work again. It's high traffic commute time with much congestion and stop and go traffic. Every time they cross an intersection, the light turns red and they must slow down and stop. The car lets out a screeching sound to alert the driver that repairs should be performed, but the individual is listening to the news and isn't paying attention to the warning sounds. The screeches are getting louder at each stop light but there are some really interesting stories on NPR about the housing market's collapse and the upcoming political election.

Afternoon

When it's noon, the motorist drives his sedan to the restaurant around the corner. He is starving since he didn't eat much breakfast and all he can think about is what he will order off the menu. He's thinking burgers, fries, and a thick chocolate milkshake but won't decide for sure till he checks out the specials. His auto is not only screeching to show it needs brake pad replacement, it has begun to flash the red indicator lights: "check brakes." But the hungry motorist doesn't notice either the visual or auditory clues.

Evening Commute

After work, it's time to clock out and drive home. Beneath the auto, there is a puddle of brake fluid but the individual is mentally rehashing his crazy work day and doesn't even notice. He climbs in and retraces his route home through the center of town, past a slew of traffic signals, makes a quick stop off at the grocery store to pick up the items on the list that his wife gave him that morning. He's thinking about the project on his desk that's due soon, the conversation he had with his boss, and whether he should apply for the supervisor's position that's opening up. He's planning his weekend in advance and thinking about everything under the sun except brake repair. This is unfortunate because on the way home, the car gives up. Since the owner didn't heed all the warning signs of screeches, flashing lights and leaked fluids, now the doozey of all signs: the brakes won't stop the car. He reaches one of the final intersections and the car simply won't respond to his foot on the brake pedal. He tries the parking brake but ends up having to veer off into the bushes. He's not hurt, but the car is scratched up and the bushes are shot.

The moral of this story is to pay attention. When a car is trying to tell its owner it needs brake repair, it's important to heed the warning.