Brakes for the Memories

The braking system of a car is not thought of as intensely as other systems until something goes wrong. It is important to have your brakes and brake pads inspected, especially during a winter safety inspection. Your brakes are just as important as the electrical system or any other system of your car and they play an integral part in the safety of your car and of the other drivers on the road. You should make sure that you understand the basics of your braking system and warning signs that will alert you that something is wrong and needs to be addressed immediately.

Brakes and Brake Pads

The first part to inspect would be the brake discs. These large, circular discs should have a shiny appearance from the outer edge to the inside. The surface of a disc with normal wear would appear to have lines on the surface. If you notice deep gashes and gouges in the surface, then you should replace them immediately. This means that the discs have been rubbing against another metal piece and created those grooves. These grooves compromise the integrity of the disc and can cause it to crack under continued use. Brake discs should be replaced in pairs to ensure even wear and a safer driving experience. The next thing to inspect would be the brake pads. They are located at the top of the disc. The pads have a layer of padding that rests against the disc. When the brakes are engaged, the pads are pressed and clamped against the disc to stop the car. The pads wear over time and increased usage of the brakes will wear the pads out quicker. If you see less than one-eighth of an inch of cushion on the pads, you should replace them. You should also check the brake lines, which are hoses that carry the brake fluid through the braking system. If the hoses are rubber, the texture of the rubber should be supple and not brittle; if the hoses are metal, they should be free of corrosion.

Warning Signs of a Problem

If you notice that you need to press on the brake pedal more firmly than previous times, it might be time to replace the brake pads. Replacing the pads at this stage is easier than replacing it later when further damage occurs. If you let the problem persist, you will begin to notice a grinding sound that is accompanied by a slight shuddering motion of the car when you press on the brakes. At this stage, the damage is occurring to the brake disc as the metal from one side grinds against the metal of the other side. The grinding could cause the disc to crack and the result would be a collision with another car or a pedestrian or a building. 

More to Safety

One important task that is often overlooked is having the brakes drained and refilled. Most manufacturers recommend that this should be done every two or three years. The brake fluid is the substance that lubricates the brakes and keeps moisture from accumulating in the hydraulic system to cause rust, leaks, and blockages. This fluid needs to be replaced in order to keep the brake system clean and unobstructed. If the fluid is not changed, it could form blockages in the brake lines. Your mechanic can perform this function for you and can even include it in your winter safety inspection.