Tag Archives: driving
Be the Best Buddy to Your Brakes! (Page 1 of 2)
Owning and driving a car is really awesome but maintaining the car is another story. Because auto maintenance and repair may be costly if the damage is intensive. But there are ways to minimize the cost when the damages are anticipated to some extent. And one of the most important aspects of auto care is the maintenance of the brake system. A poorly maintained auto brakes might be the cause of a dangerous collision, leading to an untimely death.
Heres how you can be the best buddy to your brakes –
1. Always check the important car components, particularly the brakes. Before going on a vacation, running an errand, attending business meetings, or simply going for a drive around the city, one must make it into a habit to check essential auto parts that may be the source of any irreversible accident, the braking system in particular.
2. Be sensitive for any unusual sound, noise or feel you might notice while driving. Being observant to something that might be happening while driving is greatly helpful to early detect possible malfunctioning of the car components, this is called “preventive maintenance”. This will be helpful to minimize the extent of the damage.
Here are the possible observations:
A jagged feel from your brake pedal suggests that its time for a brake pedal replacement.
A crushing sound or feel while braking is also for brake pedal replacement.
The car travels too far before coming to a stop, this means that the brakes need adjustment or the brake linings must be replaced.
The brake pedal pulsate up and down upon stopping, this suggests that the front brake rotors need to be replaced.
The car pulls to one side when braking; a stuck caliper causes the problem and needs to be checked.
The brakes squeal when stopping fairly short; squealing occurs when the brake linings are worn out or needs replacement.
The car bounces up and down when stopping short; shock absorbers may need to be replaced.
3. Have the damaged brakes repaired immediately.
How to Repair Auto Brakes:
A. Parts of the Brake System
brake pads the parts that get in touch with the brake rotors during braking
brake rotors should be even and smooth
brake caliper
B. Materials Needed for repair
Brake pads
Brake fluid
Brake bleed kit
Brake grease
Brake spray cleaner
Caliper
C-clamp (or vise-grip piers)
Clean towel
Drip pan
Jack stands
Lifting jack
Rotor
Tire iron
Wrench
C. Follow these steps –
1. Find a place conducive for repair, one that is away from the public and traffic. Using the tire iron, loosen the lug nuts of all the wheels. Place the jack beneath the cars chassis and lift the car. Position the car lower on the jack stands for support during the repair.