5 Keys To Proper Brake Maintenance

The average day of every driver is somewhat similar – we all face different situations in urban and non-urban traffic. From traffic signals to potholes, unmarked speed breakers, and barriers to risky situations and overturns, all of these situations make us step on the brakes frequently. Each time we do that, the brake pads rub against the brake disc, which slows down the wheels and the vehicle altogether.

Over time, these practices can cause the braking material on the pads to deteriorate due to the heat generated by the friction. That is why brake maintenance is needed, and brake replacement is often an inevitable part for every driver.

While each car should come with a recommended brake maintenance schedule in its manual, a good rule of thumb is to check your brakes on every major service, and replace their fluid every 30,000 kilometers. These estimates obviously vary based on your specific vehicle and driving style. Now, let’s look at the five keys to proper brake maintenance that will help you stay safe on the roads.

Check Your Brake Pads and Rotors

Your brake pads and rotors are the single most important point of contact between the braking system and your tyres. As such, they deteriorate easily and require frequent maintenance. Friction between tyres and brake pads causes heat, which wears down the brake pads.

That is why inspecting the quality of your rotors and the depth of the pads is important. If there is a need to depress your brake pedal further, it may be a sign that you need an immediate replacement of your brake pads and rotors.

Flush Your Brake Fluid

Depressing your brake pedal makes pressure build-up, which is later on transferred through the brake fluid from the master cylinder – and then, to the brake lines and into the calipers. Therefore, brake fluid is another essential element and is often known as the messenger between you and your car’s braking system.

Make sure to check your brake fluid and change it every 30,000 kilometers. If it is cloudy or milky, it must be changed immediately.

Bleed the Brake Lines

Besides flushing and changing the brake fluid, you should also bleed the brake line and remove any excess air. Sometimes, small amounts of air might get trapped inside and therefore reduce the efficiency of the entire braking system.

With bleeding, you can remove the air from the brake – it works by depressing the brake pedal when adjusting the valve, and do that every 2 to 3 years. Obviously, the best way to do that is by visiting your nearest auto service professional.

Replace or Upgrade Your Brake Parts

Sometimes, your braking system needs new parts, which is a good opportunity to upgrade to higher performance or specialized components. Whether it’s disc brakes that are more heat resistant or ceramic brake pads which are quieter and produce less dust, upgrading, and replacing parts when needed will improve the longevity of your braking system and allow for better performance.

Take Continuous Care of Your Braking System

Lastly, you should look after your brakes and see them as an integral part of your vehicle. There are plenty of external factors that contribute to their deterioration – braking heavily and hard, speeding up, and carrying too much weight are some of the common enemies of every braking system. Avoiding these and other situations that affect your braking performance will keep your brakes performing better for a longer amount of time.

Conclusion

Keeping a regular check on your car brakes is the least you can do if you want to prolong the lifespan of your braking system and improve its efficacy. If your car brakes are not well maintained, you are putting yourself and your family at risk.

Need new brakes? Check out our auto parts shop and choose the best products for your needs. Once you are done, visit some of our fitting locations to get your new parts installed on your vehicle!