When it comes to vehicles, brake plays an important role as it is the most critical piece of safety component on any vehicle. Brakes make vehicles stop quickly and keep us safer while on the road. Properly working brakes are highly important for our vehicles to operate smoothly. However, most of the times drivers take brakes for granted. In fact, brakes depend on several mechanical interactions, so it is very important that you check your vehicle’s brake system more often. Periodic brake repairs or maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle’s brake system up and running.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Brake?
- Routine Check: Keep checking the brakes periodically, i.e. at least once in a year. Regularly inspecting your vehicle’s brake system helps avoid major problems. Consider brakes as a part of routine maintenance on your vehicle and check them especially when you get your tires rotated.
- Replace Brake Pads: Brake pads play an important role in stopping the moving wheels. They create the necessary friction that is required for stopping the vehicle, and they wear down with time. During brake repairs, replace brake pads if they have 1/8” or less of padding or if you hear the high-pitch metallic squealing noise when the brakes are applied.
- Check Brake Fluid: Brake fluid converts the force applied to the pedal by your foot to the wheel stopping power. Moisture in the brake fluid minimizes the boiling point and makes it trouble-free for the fluid to boil when there is a high pressure on the brake. In the long run, boiling brake fluid may cause brake wear or fluid can absorb water and affect other parts of the brake system. So, changing the brake fluid is the best solution to avoid costly brake repairs.
- Speed Control: If you abruptly stop a fast-moving vehicle, then you’re potentially damaging the brake system. Brake loses its life by turning energy into heat. Less speed means, a lot less energy and transformation into heat. So, always keep an eye on your car’s speed meter.
- Material is the Key: If you choose proper material for different components of the brake system, you can avoid most of the brake repairs. For example, while a ceramic braking pad offers longer lifespan and quieter stops, a semi-metal pad provides better-stopping power. So, always talk to the professionals about the material that will best suit your vehicle based on your driving style and safety.
- Do not Overload your Vehicle: A heavier vehicle is harder on brakes. So, avoid carrying unnecessary stuff as it can add a lot of weight on your vehicles’ wheels.
- Avoid Heat: Heat is the No. 1 enemy of any vehicle’s brake system. A huge amount of heat gets generated when brake pads are pressed against the disc. Ventilation is very important to remove this heat and keep the brake system cool. Fading happens when you overuse the brake and is overheated. To avoid unnecessary brake repairs, make sure your brake system is not overheated. However, when it does happen, just pull over and allow your brakes to cool down.
- Pay Attention to Warning Signs: Most of the times there will be an alert sign before you face any major issue in your brake system. All you’ve to do is to take these signs seriously and have your vehicle checked before it turns to a costly repair. Your brake warning light may turn on, you may notice an unusual noise when you use the brake; you might experience the difference when you step on brake pedal. In all these cases, consult a professional and have it checked.
Overall, keep all these tips in your mind and make the right choice. This will help you avoid expensive brake repairs and make brakes perform flawlessly.
