Your brakes help you safely navigate your vehicle through traffic. You rely on your brakes to respond when you press on them. You expect your brakes to react right away to your motions. This only happens though if you take proper care of your brakes.
#1 Check the Brake Fluid
At least once a year, take your vehicle to the mechanic and have the mechanic inspect the brake fluid in your vehicle. The brake fluid is what helps prompt your vehicle to stop when you press on your brakes. When your vehicle is lacking brake fluid, your vehicle will not respond as expected when you press on your brakes. You will have to apply more pressure to press on your brakes.
Over time, it is natural for the brake fluid to wear out. That is why you need to change the brake fluid every so often. However, a dramatic change in your brake fluid could indicate that your brake line is damaged.
If your brake fluid has a milky color, that means that water and condensation have been building up in your brake lines. This can lead to serious damage to your master cylinder as well as your wheel cylinders. If your brake fluid is milky, you need to have the issue address right away.
Checking your brake fluid at least once a year will allow you to spot these issues before they develop into major problems.
#2 Check your Brake Pads & Rotors
Next, at least once a year, you should have your brake pads and rotors inspected by a professional. This is the best way to make sure that your brake pads and rotors are thick enough.
Your brake pads and rotors are designed to wear down over time. When they wear down, your vehicle will not respond as intended when you press on your brakes. The brake pads and rotors are designed to last for a set number of miles. You can write down when you had your brake pads and rotors installed and write down when they should need replaced. You should have your brake pads and rotors inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they are wearing as expected. Uneven wear may demonstrate other issues with your steering and vehicle.
At least once a year, ask your mechanics to inspect your brakes. Make sure that they inspect the quality, color, and level of your brake fluid, as well as the wear and tear on your rotors and brake pads Yearly inspections will ensure that you always know the state of your brakes as well when you need to save for repairs.
For help with parts you may need, contact a company like Pick-A-Part Jalopy Jungle.
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