How To Check Your Brake Pads, Discs And Calipers
You need to make sure that you’re checking your disc brakes and brake pads at least every 10,000 miles or if your brakes suddenly start to squeal or pull to one side.
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You need to make sure that you’re checking your disc brakes and brake pads at least every 10,000 miles or if your brakes suddenly start to squeal or pull to one side. If a component in your braking system is faulty then it can cause complete brake failure, which could be very dangerous. By having regular vehicle maintenance checks it will keep the car in good working order and will prevent lives being put at risk.
Important Brake System Terminology
To understand the role of the brake pads, how they function and how to check them, car owners must first be familiar with a few key terms.
Brake Pad
When compressed against the disk brakes, brake pads provide the friction that is necessary to stop a moving car.
Disc Brakes
The disc brakes are discs that rotate along with the wheels. When acted upon by the brake pads, they force the car wheels to stop moving.
Caliper
A caliper is the metal clamp that squeezes the brake pad against the discs, slowing and stopping the rotation of the wheels.
Brake Inspection
Inspecting your brake pad:
When inspecting your brake pads follow the surface of the disc to the top, you'll be able to see the outside pad touching the disc. If there is 1/8" (size of two pennies stacked) or less remaining on the pad then it’s time to replace them for new ones. Brake pads are relatively cheap to buy and easy to replace.
Inspecting your brake disc:
The disc should be shiny from the inside to the outer edge. If you can see slight lines in the disc then not to worry as this is normal wear. You need to look out for things such as rough spots or pronounced grooves in the disc, if you do have this type of wear on your disc then you need to replace them.
How to tell if your brake calipers are faulty:
The brake calipers are the main components which hold the brake pads together. When the brake pedal is pushed down, the brake fluid pressurises against the cylinder inside of the brake caliper. The cylinder then pushes together the inner and outer brake pads to the flat surface of the brake discs to stop the vehicle. When the brake calipers are damaged, the cylinder inside of the brake caliper will not be able to push the brake pads to the brake discs and the vehicle will not be able to stop.
Don't risk it, your brakes are paramount to your safety. Get a Free Brake Check at Protyre
Brakes can be the difference between life and death. If you have any concerns about yours check them out yourself or take them to your local specialist to be seen.
Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy
When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.
If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.
We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.
But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.
So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!