Brakes are an integral part of your vehicle and cannot be overlooked when they’re not working properly. If you wait too long to have them checked, you could end up with more costly repairs than if you had them checked at the first sign of trouble. Consider the reasons why it’s important to get regular brake service and what the implications are if you do wait to get them checked until something goes wrong.
The Basics of Brakes
Every car has a brake system that helps it stop. The two main types of brakes are disc brakes and drum brakes. Disc brakes have a calliper that squeezes against a rotor to slow the car down. Drum brakes have a wheel cylinder that pushes against the brake shoes to slow the car down.
Brakes can wear out over time, which causes them to need more force to be effective. A regular inspection is needed to make sure your brakes are safe. Brake fluid needs to be changed regularly, as it can become contaminated or lose its effectiveness with time.
There's also something called hydraulic-booster assisted braking systems (HBAS) which use hydraulic pressure generated by the engine's power steering pump instead of vacuum pressure from the vehicle's power steering pump, which can wear out over time and cause you not to be able to brake at all! It's best if you schedule an appointment with your mechanic every 10-12 months for an inspection and service on your vehicle!
Symptoms You Need to Know About
Here are a few signs that it’s time for a brake check:
Your car takes longer to stop than usual.
You hear grinding or squealing when you brake.
The brake pedal feels spongy or sinks to the floor when you step on it.
Your car pulls to one side when you brake.
The ABS warning light is on.
* You smell burning rubber or smoke coming from the front of your car when you use your brakes.
One or more of your tyres appears to be worn out and is showing signs of excessive wear along the edges.
Your brake pads may need replacing if they have gotten too thin and don’t provide enough friction to slow your car quickly.
If you have been driving with old fluid in your hydraulic system, it can cause seals to break down which will allow fluid to leak out, reducing braking power and leading to premature wear of other components.
Cleaning debris off of your wheels helps prevent serious damage to your brakes by providing a smooth surface for them to grip.
These are all signs that your brakes need attention, and the sooner you get them serviced, the better.
It's [always] a good idea to have a professional inspection once a year to catch any problems before they turn into major safety hazards. An inspection will also help determine if any other worn-out parts should be replaced at the same time.
If you wait too long, new problems will crop up such as warped rotors or misaligned callipers - which could lead to more expensive repairs down the road. Plus, having your brakes serviced annually can save you from the headache of dealing with an emergency later on. So take care of your brakes by scheduling an appointment with the RS Service Centre today!
Things That Could Go Wrong
Here are a few things that can go wrong if you don't keep up with regular brake service:
- Reduced stopping power due to fluid leak or buildup
- Brake system warning light will come on
- Reduced efficiency due to friction material being worn down over time
- Worse fuel economy because more fuel is used during braking
- Additional wear and tear on other systems due to increased load (e.g., tyres)
- It may be possible for you to get stranded because your car won't stop when needed - The driver behind you might think your emergency brake is engaged and try to pass causing an accident
- Collisions caused by lack of braking power or reduced traction, especially at high speeds
- In some cases, no braking power may cause accidents resulting in death or serious injury
Things You Can Do To Prepare Yourself For An Inspection
Brake service is important for your safety and that of your passengers. By having your brakes serviced regularly, you can extend the life of your brakes and avoid costly repairs down the road. Here are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for an inspection:
Check your owner’s manual to see when your car’s manufacturer recommends servicing your brakes.
Inspect your brake pads and shoes regularly for wear. If you notice signs of pad or shoe wear or deterioration, take your vehicle in for service as soon as possible.
If you notice unusual vibrations in the steering wheel or your brake pedal during braking, this could be an indication that there's a problem with the callipers or rotors and they should be inspected immediately by a professional mechanic.
Always make sure to check your tyres' air pressure. Low tyre pressure can cause problems with proper braking, which means you might need new brakes sooner than anticipated.
Make sure all bolts and screws on the brake system are tight - anything loose could result in premature wear or damage to your components.
When driving faster (120kph) apply firm pressure on the brake pedal before descending long downhill grades so that the brakes will work properly when needed most. Remember not to release the brake until the car has completely stopped at the bottom of the hill.
RS Service Centre - The Best Place for Brake Maintenance and Replacement
RS Service Centre offers the best brake service in town. Our experienced technicians will inspect your brakes and make any necessary repairs or replacements, so you can rest assured that your car is safe to drive. Call or WhatsApp us on 011 885 1654 or 071 622 6240 today for more information.
RS Service Centre | Your Out of Warranty Service Centre and Mechanics in Sandton
Based in Johannesburg, RS Service Centre is an established company that offers out-of-warranty service and repair. When you need a new brake pad or wheel alignment check, you can be confident your car will be looked after by one of our qualified mechanics. With RS Service Centre's wide range of services and competitive prices, you'll always find what you're looking for with us.