The Benefits of Regular Car Brake Maintenance

Car brake maintenance is an essential part of ensuring that your car is safe to drive and it functions properly for a long time.

But how do car brakes work, and what steps can you take to prevent having brake issues?

We've put together this helpful article on how to keep your car brakes well-maintained and the benefits of doing so. 

How do car brakes work?

Car brakes work by converting kinetic energy (the energy of motion) into heat energy to slow down and stop the vehicle.

There are two main types of car brakes: disc brakes and drum brakes. Most modern cars use disc brakes on the front wheels and either disc or drum brakes on the rear wheels.

What are disc brakes?

When the driver presses the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is generated in the brake lines.
This hydraulic pressure is transmitted to the brake calliper, which contains one or more pistons.

The calliper pistons push brake pads against both sides of a brake rotor (also known as a brake disc) attached to the wheel.

The friction between the brake pads and the rotor creates resistance, converting the kinetic energy of the moving car into heat energy.

This heat energy dissipates into the surrounding air, and the resulting frictional force slows down and stops the car.

What are drum brakes?

Similar to disc brakes, when the driver presses the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is generated in the brake lines.

The hydraulic pressure is transmitted to the wheel cylinder, which expands and pushes brake shoes outward against the inner surface of a brake drum attached to the wheel.

As the brake shoes press against the drum, friction is created, converting kinetic energy into heat energy. The heat energy dissipates, and the resulting frictional force slows down and stops the car.

In both types of brakes, a combination of hydraulic pressure, friction, and heat absorption is crucial for effective braking.

Additionally, modern cars have various safety features, such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), which prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, improving control and stability in emergency situations.

Regular maintenance and inspection of the braking system are essential to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Brake pads and shoes wear out over time and need replacement, and brake fluid levels and condition should be checked regularly.

Properly functioning brakes are critical for safe driving and stopping your vehicle efficiently.

What are some common brake problems?

Several common car brake problems can arise over time due to wear and tear, improper maintenance, or other issues.

It's essential to address these problems promptly to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your vehicle's braking system. Some common brake problems include:

Brake Noise

Squealing, screeching, grinding, or other unusual noises when applying the brakes can indicate worn brake pads or brake components.

Ignoring these noises could lead to more severe damage and decreased braking performance.

Brake Fluid Leaks

Brake fluid is essential for transferring hydraulic pressure to the brakes. Leaks in the brake lines, master cylinder, callipers, or wheel cylinders can cause a loss of brake fluid, leading to decreased braking effectiveness.

Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal

If the brake pedal feels soft and spongy or sinks to the floor, it may indicate air in the brake lines or a brake fluid leak. A soft pedal can reduce braking efficiency and compromise safety.

Brake Pulling or Dragging

Suppose your car pulls to one side when braking. It could be due to uneven brake pad wear, a stuck calliper, or brake fluid contamination.

Dragging brakes may lead to increased fuel consumption and premature brake wear.

Vibration or Pulsation

A pulsating or vibrating sensation in the brake pedal or steering wheel during braking is often a sign of warped brake rotors.

Warped rotors can cause uneven braking and affect the vehicle's stability.

Brake Warning Light

If the brake warning light on the dashboard illuminates, it could indicate low brake fluid, a faulty ABS sensor, or other issues with the braking system.

Worn Brake Pads or Shoes

Brake pads and shoes wear down over time due to normal use. Left unattended, excessively worn brake pads or shoes can damage other brake components and reduce braking performance.

Anti-Lock Braking System Malfunction

The ABS system prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking. If the ABS warning light illuminates or the system malfunctions, it requires immediate attention to maintain safe braking.

Sticking Brake Callipers

Callipers can get stuck due to corrosion or debris, causing uneven brake pad wear and reduced braking efficiency.

Regular brake inspections, proper maintenance, and timely repairs are essential to address these common brake problems and ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle's braking system.

If you notice any of these issues, it's best to have a qualified mechanic inspect and repair your brakes to prevent further damage and maintain optimal braking performance.

How often should brakes be inspected?

Regular brake inspections are crucial for maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle's braking system.

The frequency of brake inspections may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of brake system your car has, and the manufacturer's recommendations.

However, as a general guideline, here are some recommended intervals for brake inspections:

Every 6 months or 6,000 to 10,000 miles

A good rule of thumb is to have your brakes inspected at least every six months or every 6,000 to 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.

This regular inspection allows for early detection of any brake issues and helps prevent more significant problems from developing.

At Every Oil Change

If you change your vehicle's oil more frequently, consider having the brakes inspected at each oil change interval.

This ensures that the brakes are checked regularly and allows for any necessary maintenance or repairs to be addressed promptly.

Before a Long Road Trip

If you're planning a long road trip or embarking on a journey that will put added stress on your vehicle, it's a good idea to have the brakes inspected beforehand.

This provides peace of mind and ensures your brakes are in optimal condition for the trip.

Pay Attention to Warning Signs

In addition to regular inspections, pay attention to warning signs of potential brake problems, such as unusual noises, a soft or spongy brake pedal, pulling to one side while braking, or increased stopping distances.

If you experience any of these symptoms, have your brakes inspected immediately.

Remember that a qualified mechanic or automotive technician with expertise in brake systems should perform brake inspections.

They can thoroughly inspect the brake pads, callipers, rotors, brake lines, and other components to ensure they are in good working condition.

Regular inspections and prompt maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and, more importantly, ensure your vehicle's brakes function properly, keeping you and others safe on the road.

Benefits of Regular Brake Maintenance

Regular car brake maintenance offers several important benefits for your vehicle's overall safety, reliability, and longevity.

Here are some key advantages of keeping up with regular brake maintenance.

Enhanced Safety

The most crucial benefit of regular brake maintenance is improved safety. Well-maintained brakes ensure your vehicle can stop effectively, reducing the risk of accidents and collisions.

Properly functioning brakes provide better control and responsiveness in emergency situations.

Prevention of Costly Repairs

Regular brake maintenance helps identify and address minor issues before they become more significant and costly problems.

Replacing worn brake pads or promptly addressing other brake system issues can prevent damage to other brake components and save you money in the long run.

Extended Brake Life

Maintaining your brakes properly can extend the life of brake components, such as brake pads, rotors, and callipers.

Replacing brake pads before they are completely worn out prevents excessive wear on other parts, such as the rotors, which can lead to longer-lasting brake components.

Improved Fuel Efficiency

Properly maintained brakes ensure that they work efficiently, minimising unnecessary friction and wear.

This can improve fuel efficiency since dragging or poorly functioning brakes can increase fuel consumption.

Optimal Brake Performance

Regular brake maintenance ensures that your braking system operates at its best, providing consistent and predictable braking performance.

This is especially important during sudden stops or in adverse weather conditions.

Peace of Mind

Knowing that your brakes are well-maintained and in good working condition provides peace of mind while driving.

You can drive confidently, knowing your vehicle's critical safety systems are functioning as they should.

Compliance with Safety Regulations

Proper brake maintenance helps ensure that your vehicle complies with safety regulations and requirements set by transportation authorities.

Prevention of Brake Fade

Brake fade occurs when the braking system overheats and loses its effectiveness. Regular brake maintenance, including checking brake fluid levels and quality, helps prevent brake fade and maintains consistent braking performance.

To enjoy these benefits, following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and having your brakes inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic is essential.

By prioritising brake maintenance, you can help ensure your safety, your passengers', and others' safety on the road.

How do you maintain your car brakes?

Maintaining your car brakes is essential for ensuring optimal performance, safety, and longevity of the braking system. Here are some important steps to maintain your car brakes:

Regular Inspections

Schedule regular brake inspections with a qualified mechanic or automotive technician. It's recommended to have your brakes checked whenever you take your car for its regular service or at least every six months or 6,000 to 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Brake Fluid Check

Check the brake fluid level regularly and top it up as needed. Brake fluid plays a crucial role in transferring hydraulic pressure to the brakes, so maintaining the proper fluid level is essential for the brakes to function correctly.

Replace Brake Pads

Brake pads wear down over time due to normal use. Check the thickness of the brake pads periodically, and have them replaced before they become too thin (usually below 3mm).

Worn brake pads can damage other brake components and compromise braking performance.

Inspect Brake Rotors

Have the brake rotors (discs) inspected during brake pad replacement. If the rotors are warped, excessively worn, or damaged, they may need to be resurfaced or replaced.

Address Brake Noise

If you hear unusual noises when applying the brakes (such as squealing or grinding), have your brakes inspected immediately. Noisy brakes may indicate worn brake pads or other brake system issues.

Replace Brake Fluid

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, reducing brake performance and corrosion in the braking system. Consider flushing and replacing the brake fluid according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Avoid Overheating

Try to avoid aggressive or continuous braking, especially when driving downhill. Overheating the brakes can cause brake fade and reduce their effectiveness.

Use High-Quality Parts

When replacing brake components, use high-quality parts from reputable manufacturers. High-quality brake pads, rotors, and other components improve braking performance and longer-lasting results.

Check the Brake Lines

Periodically inspect the brake lines for signs of leaks, damage, or corrosion. Brake line issues can lead to brake fluid leaks and decreased brake performance.

Maintain Tyre Pressure

Proper tyre pressure ensures that your vehicle stops smoothly and evenly. Underinflated or overinflated tyres can affect braking performance and increase brake wear.

By following these maintenance tips and promptly addressing any brake issues, you can ensure that your car's braking system remains in top condition, providing safe and reliable braking performance on the road.

If you're unsure about any brake-related maintenance tasks, it's best to consult a professional mechanic for guidance and assistance.

Thinking of getting a new car?

An old car or one that hasn't been well-maintained is more costly to repair than getting a new car.

If you think it's time to replace your old car but want a more affordable way to buy one, you can apply for car finance with Carmoola.

The whole application process happens on your phone when you download our app. It only takes a few minutes to enter your personal information, and you'll know the result instantly.

Be sure to read about how our car finance app works!

Got questions? Reach out to us, and we'll answer them! 😀