It is important to make sure that you are taking steps to ensure your vehicle is operating at peak performance during the hot summer months. August is Brake Safety Awareness Month, and it is the perfect time to have your brakes check and ensure that they are in safe working condition.
Your brake system is the one of the most important components of your vehicle’s safety system. If it is working properly, then it helps ensure you are operating your vehicle safely under a variety of driving conditions. You can put a stop to potential brake system problems by recognizing the signs and symptoms that your brake system may need maintenance or repair.
Just Part of Owning a Car
Brakes are a normal wear item for any vehicle and eventually they will need to be replaced. Several factors affect brake wear. These include vehicle type, the quality of brake lining material, driving habits and operating conditions. It is important that you don’t put off routine brake inspections. A thorough inspection of your vehicle’s braking system should include brake lining wear, brake fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, and brake and dash warning lights. A good inspection should also include taking your vehicle for a test drive to detect other potential brake system problems.
If you hear odd noises when you apply your brakes, or if your car is pulling to the left or to the right, you should have your brakes inspected as soon as possible. Other warning signs that you need an immediate brake inspection include:
- Illuminated brake warning light
- Brakes are “grabbing”
- Low pedal feel
- Hard pedal feel
- Vibration
- Squealing
If you experience any of these when you are applying the brakes, you should have your brake system inspected immediately. Putting off a brake inspection because of any of these symptoms can lead to a more costly repair bill.
It is also important that you don’t put off your routine brake inspections, because ignoring any of the above symptoms or letting your brakes get to the “metal-to-metal” point is not only dangerous but can result in more money for future repairs. August is Brake Safety Awareness Month so take the time now to have your brakes inspected, and you’ll be rewarded with a safe vehicle, peace of mind, and money saved.
