How Good are your car brakes? Do you know? A lot of people take them for granted, especially in the summer when roads are generally drier and free from ice.
Signs of brake deterioration
- Look for unusual sounds when applying your brakes, like squeaking or grinding
- Do you have to press harder on them to stop your car?
- A lot of cars give an illuminated sign on the dashboard to show the brakes need checking
Brakes generally need changing every 20,000 to 60,000 miles you do depending on your type of driving. You may also need a brake fluid flush.
When driving in busy cities like London the traffic can be very congested which means you will be using your brakes a lot more. It’s important that you take good care of them and get them checked regularly. If you are thinking on the lines of getting your brakes inspected, you can get car brakes in London – repaired and replaced at DAT Tyres.
How to take care of your Brakes
- Have your brakes and pads checked regularly by an expert
- Check your brake fluid regularly
- Listen and watch for warning signs like sounds and responses when you are using them.
- While driving try coasting for while to slow down before applying your brakes, this puts less pressure on them
- Don’t travel too close to the car in front so that you don’t have to brake too harshly.
- Invest in good quality brakes from a reputable company, otherwise you may be spending money without any real benefit.
When Your Brakes Let you Down
Last year we were involved in a road traffic accident because the car behind us suffered brake failure. They crashed into our stationary car while we were waiting to turn into a road. Our car was push a few metres down the road and a lot of damage was caused. I was taken to hospital by ambulance and my husband and son treated for whiplash.
The lady in the car behind suffered whiplash and shock.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post
I liked what you said about how brake fluid should be checked every once in a while and coasting can put less pressure by applying brakes so that they can have better quality breaks. My cousin has been having some problems with her breaks and she has noticed that they have started squealing whenever she breaks really quickly and she would really like to get it fixed. Having a professional take care of it for her could be really useful and allow her to have an easier time.
Thanks for reminding me that hearing squeaking and grinding sounds from my brakes might be indicators that there is something wrong with my vehicle. I tried to stop ahead of the red light but I had a hard time stepping on the brakes than I usually do. It might be better to take the vehicle to the nearest auto shop and see if some parts need repair or replacement.
Modern life is more distracting than ever before, so you need to know basic driving safety and practice it constantly. I agree that the most important thing is to focus! And check everything up.
These are all excellent suggestions — Long trips make me uncomfortable, and doing all of these things helps you feel more in control!