Brake Repair Indications: What to Look for

Brake repair is vital to the health and maintenance of a vehicle. There is always a need to fix this part of an automobile especially if it is dated and prone to wear and tear. A vehicle is not impervious to wear and tear; all parts will eventually succumb to age. The brake system of an automobile is needed in order for the vehicle to come to a stop when the driver needs it to. Any aspect of the system that may be damaged can shut it down and render it useless.

Maintenance

While brake repair is necessary for the safety of the driver and passengers, preventive maintenance of the vehicle and all its systems is preferable. The saying, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” applies here. Maintaining the braking system in order to prevent it from getting damaged or totally worn out is the point. It costs less to maintain it than to fix it. Much of the damage that requires a mechanic can cost several hundred dollars or even a person’s life if there is no care for the brakes. Having a reputable auto garage maintain the entire vehicle is something that an owner should look into. Better yet, learning the basics of vehicle maintenance can help the owner be more aware of the safety precautions that he should take with automobiles.
Brand new vehicles usually have a maintenance or regular check-up schedule that may include checking the brakes.

Indications

One of the signs that there is a need for brake repair is if the driver feels something is wrong with the braking system. Drivers who are used to a particular automobile can feel something going awry when try coming to a stop. When the car does not completely stop even when stepping on the pedal full on signals that there is something wrong, and the expertise of a qualified mechanic is needed. Another sign to look out for is any noise that may occur when the pedal is stepped on or depressed. This could mean that something is loose in the braking system. This is a dangerous situation to be in because whatever is loose can come flying out and into the vehicle. Another reason for a brake repair visit with a certified mechanic is the warning light on the dashboard. Many modern vehicles have indicators that tell the driver if something is wrong.

Other signs that there is something amiss with the braking system include: dripping fluids, pedals that do not come back up, and high-pitched noises that occur when the braking mechanism is engaged. It is important that these be checked before any accident can happen. The loss of brake fluid can hamper the efficacy of the stopping system to a dangerous degree. The brakes will not work if there is no fluid. Any drips found underneath a parked car should be checked. Depressed pedals that do not come back up easily may indicate something wrong with the lining or the mechanism that runs from the pedals to the actual brakes.