Brake Repair – How to Avoid It

Most drivers know that brake repair can be a costly, sometimes time consuming endeavor. If you own a vehicle, you may be able to avoid costly repairs by carefully maintaining your car’s braking system. Of course, you will sometimes need to visit the mechanic for routine maintenance and the occasional fix, but proper maintenance will make those repairs less frequent.

One of the easiest ways to take care of your brakes is to keep your tires properly balanced and make sure that they have the right amount of pressure. If your tires have too much pressure, you will increase your stopping distance because the tires will bulge. This means you must press the pedal longer in order to stop the vehicle. This places more strain on the brakes. Similarly, if your tires do not have enough pressure, they wear quickly, and this decreases their traction and will also make your stopping time longer.

Always keep your brake fluid topped off and clean. Before opening the cap to check the fluid reservoir, wipe it off to prevent any dirt or grease from dropping into the fluid. Keep the fluid reservoir full, and visit your mechanic if you notice that it consistently needs to be filled. This could indicate a leak, which you should have fixed before it starts a bigger, more expensive, problem.

When you drive, try to avoid stomping on the pedal to stop the car suddenly. Instead, ease into your stops whenever possible. Also, avoid driving with your foot hovering over the brake pedal. This will tempt you to depress the pedal slightly. Any time the pedal is depressed, your brakes are in use. Keeping them engaged when the vehicle is not stopping will cause them to wear out faster.

Routine maintenance, whether done in your garage or at the mechanic’s shop, will also help you avoid costly brake repair. If you notice damage to the brakes’ core parts, like the rotors, pads, or discs, have them replaced immediately. Have your pads replaced on a regular basis as well, as these do wear out over time. When inspecting your brakes’ discs, look for deep grooves. Small lines are usually not a problem, but grooves indicate the discs need to be replaced. When you are visually inspecting your brakes, check the hoses leading to the calipers for leaks or cracks. Replace any damaged hoses immediately.

You should have your brakes professionally checked approximately two times per year. Some shops will provide a visual inspection for little to no cost. Even if you have to pay a few dollars, it is far better to have a professional tell you that all is well with your brakes than to end up in a dangerous situation with a car that will not stop.

While you may not be able to avoid all brake repair needs, taking proper care of your vehicle’s braking system will significantly cut down on the amount of time you spend in the mechanic’s shop, as well as the amount of money you put down to deal with your brakes.