Inspection and Brake Repair for Your Safety

Brake repair is one of the many items that must be done to take proper care of a vehicle. Maintenance tasks must be done in order to keep everything working well as well as keeping everyone on the road safe. But before performing any task, it's also important to think of safety in terms of performing the maintenance. Even before checking various fluids or components, precautions must be in place. Here are some things to think about.

Timetables For Maintenance & Inspection

Every day that a car is driven, certain checks should be made. If any warning lights or indicators are flashing red, it's time to pay attention. If a vehicle is making strange sounds, smells or feels differently to drive than it usually does, it's time to have a knowledgeable person take a look at it. It's also wise to take note of the condition of the auto before taking any big road trips, when washing it at the car wash or before the onset of intense temperature seasons such as winter or summer. Once a month, transmission fluid should be checked and brake and clutch fluids should be inspected. The tires should also be inspected monthly for worn tread or objects such as nails stuck in them. Every six months, the windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear and tear.

Safety Precautions

When performing any inspection of fluids or car parts, it's important to follow some safety precautions. For example, it's crucial to make sure there is adequate ventilation if you're going to be running the engine. An engine that's running will release carbon monoxide and this is a fume that can be fatal in closed spaces such as a garage. Don't smoke or have any type of fire anywhere near the space you're working. Many of the fluids in an automobile are extremely flammable. An automotive grade cleanser is the recommended product to use to clean parts off. Using anything else can cause a dangerous chemical reaction. Don't touch hot parts with bare hands or at all. Let everything cool off before opening lids, caps and what have you. Wear protective gloves and eyewear. Make sure your vehicle is on a level position with a parking brake set. Putting bricks behind the tires is a good idea to keep it from rolling, just in case. Keep your fingers, hair and any other body parts away from moving components. If you have long hair, tie it up in a ponytail, bun or inside a hat. If you are not a mechanic, you probably shouldn't do any work that is beyond your capabilities, i.e. most of it. Leave the automotive and brake repair to the pros. It's better to have certified mechanics or technicians doing the work than trying to do it yourself and winding up with a faulty result. Don't be penny wise and dollar foolish.

When it comes to brake repair and other auto maintenance task, it's important to remember safety. Taking precautions and having a trained technician perform the repairs will be wise moves indeed.