Why It Is Important To Service Your Brakes

Brakes are an essential piece of equipment that allow your car to do arguably the most important thing; stop. But overtime, brakes are used up and require a level of maintenance that can be easily overlooked.

Why brakes are important to maintain

As one of the primary safety functions of a car, unexpected failure of your brakes could make for some dangerous situations. Brake maintenance and servicing is not just for your own safety but also your passengers and the others that you share the road with. If your brake pads are neglected it’s also possible that you will damage other components of the brake system such as the disc, which can increase repair costs. It’s also very important to make sure you regularly replace your tyres when they get too worn. If your tyres can’t grip the road when braking, you’re also in trouble. If you’d like to find out more about car tyres, check out our blog post ‘What Tyres Are Right For My Car?’.

How to check the condition of your brakes

Most cars have indicators of some description that can help you to check the condition of your brakes. The most obvious way of telling if your brakes need servicing is to listen out for any unusual noise, any pulling to one side or stuttering (not to be confused with the pumping of ABS) when they are engaged. Stuttering, pulling and squealing brakes are a sure sign that your brake pads may need some mechanical attention.

It’s also a good idea to occasionally perform a visual inspection. To visually inspect a disc brake, look out for any abnormal scratches on the rotor, uneven pad wear, rust or any other obvious defects. If you can reach it, jiggle the brake caliper to test for any movement. If you find any of these issues, it’s time to have your brakes serviced. If the brake pads are down to the steel backing plate (or close to it), they require replacing immediately before they damage the rotor. Some modern vehicles have a dashboard light that will illuminate when the brake pads are in need of replacing.

Prevent damage with servicing and inspections

Preventing damage to your brake system is important. Regularly checking your brakes and immediately fixing any issues prevents nasty surprises. A few alterations to your driving technique can also help to lengthen the lifespan of your brake pads. Erratic driving and quick stops can put excessive strain on your brake pads and rotors, unnecessarily wearing them. Ideally, you’ll be stopping as slowly and smoothly as possible to preserve your brakes.

Replacing your brake pads when they get low is an important piece of maintenance. Once your pads are worn away, the steel backing plate is exposed. The steel is much harder than your brake pad compound and can warp and scratch your rotors. Brake pads are relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to having your rotors machined or replaced.

Brakes perform a vital function, keeping you and other drivers safe on the roads. Having your brakes regularly serviced and maintained can save you money in replacement parts or possible accidents.h If  your brakes require a service, or a check, give the team at Australian Mechanical a call on 07 3356 1538.