How To Tell When It's Time To Replace Your Car Brakes
Of all the vital pieces of safety equipment that come with your car
, the brakes are probably the most important and easiest to look after. That is not to say that many other parts of your vehicle should be treated as less important but for everyday motorists with little mechanical knowledge, it is easy to look after your brakes if you know a few simple tips.
In a nutshell, you should never try to repair brakes yourself nor tinker with them in any way in an attempt to improve them. You should always leave this vital part of your car in the hands of a qualified mechanic who will ensure that proper servicing procedures are followed and that the correct parts are installed.
Whilst brakes can last a long time, depending on how heavily and frequently you use them, it is easy to become accustomed to poor performance because of the long timeframe over which deterioration occurs.
But drivers can be on the lookout for the tell-tale signs that indicate a brake service is necessary. Let's take a look at them now.
The most obvious indication of a problem is a high-pitched squeal that occurs whenever you apply the brakes. This is caused by a metal on metal sound which occurs when brake pads are dangerously worn out. This is certainly time to visit your mechanic.
If the steering wheel shudders in your hands as you come to a stop you may have a problem with your brake rotors. Rotors can become warped over a long period of time and are easy to overlook, but 'wiggling' as described above is a tell tale sign. It is usually better to replace the rotors than to machine them.
If it takes a long time to stop after applying the brakes it is not only dangerous to continue driving but you could find yourself with a criminal legal predicament should you be involved in an accident.
Smoking wheels can also be an indicator of brake problems and this will occasionally happen after the vehicle has stopped. You shouldn't need any convincing that it is time to see your mechanic if you see smoke coming from any part of your vehicle, so don't delay!
The bottom line is that with your car braking system you do not have a second chance. Your safety and the safety of others on the road is at stake when you drive your vehicle with faulty brakes. If you are involved in an accident and have knowingly been driving with bad breaks you could find yourself criminally liable, so it is simply not worth the risk.
Modern cars have highly complex braking systems installed and it is dangerous to begin tinkering with these under any circumstances. Only a brake specialist or a qualified mechanic should be authorised to fix and adjust your brakes so the best advice is leave them alone!