Brake Repair Important Car Care Task

Brake repair as well as preventative maintenance will go a long way in keeping a vehicle safe. In fact, the brakes are among the most important safety components in a car, truck or SUV. Careening down the road at even moderate speeds can become a lethal endeavor if one’s brakes aren’t working. Freeway driving without the ability to slow down or stop is an even scarier proposition. Here are some things to think about regarding brake jobs:

- Squeaking sounds: When braking an automobile, the sound of squealing or squeaking is a red flag that its brakes may be wearing out. It could also mean that there is dust, dirt and debris in the systems. Whatever it is, squeaky mechanisms must be checked out.

- Warning lights: If a car’s “maintenance needed” lights are flashing, this is something that must not be ignored. Ignoring the lights because of lack of money or time will likely end up costing a motorist more of both. Heed those flashing dash lights.
- Pads: Worn out pads won’t work as well as those that are in good shape. Pads must be kept a certain depth in order to provide the appropriate amount of friction for stopping. 

- Disc or drum: Disc and drum are two different varieties of brake systems. It is more common for discs to be in the front and drums to be in the rear due in order to create a more efficient stopping device.

- Fluids: Another task that must be tended to is changing the braking fluid. Another name for this is flushing out old fluids or bleeding. If this chore isn’t done on a regular basis, the internal components will wear out more quickly. Brake fluid attracts moisture; if there have been lots of hard stops, the water may become heated, corrosive and cause the system to malfunction. It’s recommended to have bleeding or flushing performed every couple of years especially in cases of lots of stop-and-go.

- Ways to decrease repairs: Some of the ways to cut down on worn out brakes are to slow down, learn to coast and purchase higher quality products. Stopping quickly at high speeds will wear out the mechanisms much more quickly than driving more slowly. The ability to coast will not only save your pads, fluids and mechanisms but will reduce gas consumption, as well. Take advantage of downward slopes, hills and slower traffic areas by coasting along. Investing in upgraded automotive parts will often increase their longevity. Do a bit of comparison shopping before purchasing any car parts.

- Don’t carry excess weight in your vehicle. Toting around a load of bricks or wood in your pickup or SUV will cost a motorist. Perhaps the driver just doesn’t have time to unload but he or she must realize that the more poundage in one’s vehicle, the more braking power will be required to stop it.

Regular brake repair and maintenance tasks are on the “must do” list for every vehicle owner. Not only will it make the car, truck or SUV last longer but it will keep everyone on the road nearby safer