How to maintain brakes

One of the most important functions in a vehicle in terms of safety is braking. And it has to be in its best condition always, not only for a longer life and better performance of the vehicle but also the safety of the occupants depends on it. Here are the ways to maintain your vehicle brakes.

Brake pads and rotors.

The main elements in the braking system that are responsible for stopping the tyres are the brake pads and the rotors. Since they are always in use, the heat caused due to the friction between the pads and the rotors makes the former wear out more often. One should regularly check the condition of the brake pads and make sure there is enough width for it to offer resistance. While driving if you observe that it is taking more effort to stop the vehicle or there is a peculiar sound or smell that the brakes are releasing, it could be time to replace the pads with new units. Similarly, a physical check of the condition of the rotor can reveal if they are in their best condition.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid plays an important role in transferring the power from the brake pedals to the brake pads and then the rotors. And therefore it has to be filled to the right level. Failing to do so will affect the braking performance of the vehicle. Further, the condition of the braking fluid should also be checked periodically for they can attract moisture and corrode the brake lines and the other metal components of the braking system, which will bring down the boiling point and affect the braking capability. Therefore, whenever you are checking oil and water levels, it is the best to check the level and the condition of the braking fluid as well.

Bleed it out

If the brake pads are not in the right shape or there is a leak in the brake lines, there is a possibility that air can seep into the system. It can also occur due to the continuous ramming of the brakes or an improper servicing of the brake rotors during brake pad replacement. Irrespective of the source, it is essential to get rid of this air from the braking system.

Drive right

Everything boils down to how you use the braking system to get the maximum life while also making sure that they are performing at their optimum best. Make sure the vehicle is coasting before brakes are applied as jamming them will unnecessarily eat on the pads. Also, in bumper to bumper traffic, try and maintain a safe distance to avoid frequent braking.