Automobiles are all interconnected parts in a system but we should maintain it to keep it running efficiently and smoothly. The braking system is an active and important component of your car. If your car doesn’t have a good braking system, you and your co-passengers are likely to be in danger. A braking system is a combination of mechanical, electronic and hydraulically activated components, which uses heat or friction to stop a moving vehicle.
A poor braking system in a car is danger to the passengers inside the car
Poor braking performance is given by worn out brakes. The brakes when applied in a car will resist the the movement of the tyres by friction, and the tyres will come to null motion. Check the power of braking of all the four wheels with a brake meter or brake tester. Rust formed on brake linings can cause the braking system to fail. In order to avoid these inspect the linings regularly.
To stop a car, the braking system should be maintained properly
You are allowed to stop your car by pressing the brakes inside, therefore maintenance of brakes are very important. Get your brakes checked annually by a professional and know the signs of wear like delay in response while pushing the brake pedal and your car showing brake lights on the dashboard or making loud sounds. In case of a brake failure, use parking brake or change to lower gear and turn off the engine.
Vibrations in brakes must be taken care of
Grinding on rotors or unusual vibrations in brakes is indicative of a poor braking system and it needs replacement as soon as possible. If there is squealing noise emitted. it is a warning that your brakes are worn out and need replacement. Overheated brake pads and rotors sometimes get rusted and form a lining on the brakes thereby causing squeaking sound.
Use brake fluid for your car
The brake fluid in your car must be full. Use brake fluid mentioned in owner’s manual for your vehicle. Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir, if it’s low then top off with correct brake fluid. When the brakes fail in your car then it means that the brake fluid has gone down.
If there is a steep decrease in brake fluid level, it might be due to leakage or any other issue in the braking system. If there is a leakage of brake fluid, the brake’s master cylinder will allow air into the system by creating low pedaling and finally results in failure of braking system. Replace the brake fluid after every two years or 50,000 miles, whichever is earlier.