What's the point in driving if you can't reach your destination, alive! And for the most part it's your car's brakes that ensure your safety throughout a journey. The best part about ensuring a fully functional braking system is that you can yourself run some quick checks to see whether it needs your attention or not.
And that's not all, you can even carry out some of the repairs yourself. The following three tips should help you keep your car's braking system happy, and you and your passengers safe.
1. Brake Fluid: The system's Lifeblood
The key here is to have the right levels of brake fluids in the reservoir. It's a lot more easier these days to check the fluid levels, as most of the brake fluid reservoirs are see through and have markings on them to show the levels.
To check the fluid level, lift open the hood and locate the reservoir. You'd find it at the back of the engine bay and in front of the driver's side. It's positioned high up for easy access.
Once you're there, check the markings, wipe the dust off the reservoir if you can't see clearly. If it needs replacement then here's how you should go about topping it up.
A. Clean any grime or dust from around the reservoir cap before opening it.
B. Pour in the fluid slowly, allowing it time to settle.
C. Close the cap and you're done.
However, it's a good idea to check the level again after a day just to make sure that there isn't a void after the air bubbles have escaped. Also don't take point “A” lightly, as any impurity that falls into the reservoir could harm the system.
2. Brake Pads: The systems cutting edge
While in some automobiles you'd need to remove the wheels, in others you can carry out the inspection without it. However the important thing is to get a clear view of the pads.
To make an assessment, follow surface of the disc towards the top, and you should see that the outer pad is touches the disc, of the disc brakes. Over time the pads do wear, but if they've worn to the breadth of two pennies stacked atop each other, it's high time you replaced them.
3. Brake Disc: Too critical to lose
To run an assessment of the brake disk you'd need to take a look just like you did with the pads. Run your eyes from the center to the outside edges of the disc and it should appear to be shiny. Minor lines and scratches are hardly a thing to bat an eyelid, but any rough areas or deeper grooves should certainly raise a big red flag. Replace them ASAP, and in pairs.
You'd need to run these checks just a few times each year.
If you have your car's braking system in order you wouldn't ever put yourself in danger, unnecessarily.
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