It is an essential active safety element that must be kept in good condition.
The braking process involves the hydraulic system, which transfers the force applied by the driver to the pedal (active safety) and converts it into pressure on the discs, friction and heat dissipation.
For this reason, it is the safety feature that is subject to the most wear and tear on vehicles, hence the importance of keeping them in good condition all year round and not just when the weather forces us to drive on wet ground.
Despite its importance for driving safety, one of the most common mistakes in ITV reviews is the braking system. Bearing in mind that at a speed of 120 km/h the braking distance can increase up to 20 meters, it is essential to keep them in perfect condition.
Many defects in this system, or even potentially serious failures, are overlooked by many drivers as they gradually adapt to abnormal operation. One of the first sensations we have when using another car is the change in the feel of the pedals. The hardness of the clutch or brake pedal is usually different from what we are used to in our car and it may even be that the braking is more or less effective than normal.
With wear, the brakes gradually lose effectiveness and the driver adapts to these changes. Over time, the braking distance increases, the pedal becomes more spongy, until another person is not driving our car and tells us: but your car brakes badly! We don’t realize we have a problem.
Alquiber’s experts give us some advice and warnings to help detect potential problems early:
1. Driving style. Depending on the car, the driver and the driving style, the brakes of the vehicle will wear more or less. Discs and brake pads are the parts that suffer the most wear and tear, but it doesn’t just depend on the mileage: the more abrupt the driving style, the greater the wear. Likewise, when you have to use the brake for a long time, such as going down a mountain pass, it is better to resort to lower gears. This way the vehicle accelerates less hard and you prevent the brakes from getting hot.
2. Choice of routes. The terrain you drive on also has a direct influence on the service life of the braking system. Frequent driving in urban areas with steep slopes or mountainous areas rather than on highways or flat roads will cause more wear on the brakes. For this reason, in order to stay in good shape for longer, it is also necessary to take into account what kind of sections we usually ride.
3. Listen to the signs. Currently, most have a brake wear warning system, but if you notice something strange (for example, that it goes too far or that it is very soft), it is useful to go for a review as it will detect the presence of air in the hydraulic circuit. If, on the other hand, you notice that the steering wheel vibrates when you apply the brakes, it could mean that some part of the braking system is in poor condition, the wheels are not balanced or the discs are warped. Go directly to the workshop. Squeaking can be a good or a bad sign as they can be caused by the pads being new or by something that is not right. They may have metal particles or rust, they may be worn, or the discs may be in poor condition.
4. Strange behavior of the pedal. If you have to press the pedal very hard, chances are the pads or discs are damaged. Other causes can be grease or brake fluid on the brake pads or too little fluid. If, on the other hand, the pedal drops, it could mean that the brake pads are very worn, that there is a leak in the air circuit, that there is little or no brake fluid, contaminated or insufficient. The best thing to do is to consult a professional.
5. Components. The boxes and pills must be marked with the ECE R-90 homologation, a guarantee of compliance. Safety is priceless, don’t risk buying lower quality parts to save.
6. Periodic reviews. Preventive maintenance is essential. The poor condition of the braking system presupposes a significant increase in braking distance and you risk accidents that would otherwise be easy to avoid. In general, manufacturers include useful instructions in the owner’s manual to extend the life of the brakes. In general, it is recommended to change the brake fluid every two years or 40,000 kilometers, parameters that indicate the limit of degradation and loss of system properties. In any case, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
