Vehicle Safety: Brake Inspection & Tell Tell Signs
Brakes are the most used and the most important safety device on your car, therefore it’s important that all car owners check their discs brakes and pads for damage and wear at least once every few months.
It’s important you check your brakes as they can help to protect you from fatal road accidents. On many cars you can check the brakes without even having to remove the wheel. If your car has alloy wheels with spaces then you can assess your brakes by looking through the spaces at the brake pads and discs. If you don’t have a clear view of this then you may need to take the wheel off.
Inspecting Your Brakes
1) Remove your wheel if necessary
If you can’t see your car’s discs and pads through the wheels then you may need to remove the wheel. Removing the wheel will make the visual inspection a lot easier, just ensure that you use proper safety instructions before removing the wheels.
2) Inspect the Disc Brake
The disc brake facing you should be shiny however slight visible lines could occur due to normal wear. You want to be looking out for any rough spots of obvious grooves, if you do spot one of these then you may need to replace your disc brakes. Remember to replace the discs in pairs to ensure maximum safety of your vehicle.
3) Inspect the Brake Pads
You’ll find the brake pad facing the disc brake. You may have to look up a little to inspect the brake pad as you have to be able to see the thickness of the pad. If your brake pads are 1/8 of inch thick or less, then it’s important you replace them.
Signs Your Brakes May Need Replacing
1) Different Noises
If you brakes start to squeal or make grinding noises when you use them then it’s a sign they may need adjusting or replacing. A grinding noise can indicate that your brake pads are worn so you will need to check them and replace if necessary.
2) Brake Warning Lights
If the brake or Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) warning light on your dashboard flashes up, it could mean you’re running on low brake fluid. Usually low fluid means that there’s a leak somewhere in your brake lines.
3) Pulling
If you apply the brakes and your car starts pulling to one side then it could mean your brakes are out of place, there is brake fluid leakage, or your brakes are worn out and need to be replaced.
4) Unusual Vibrations
If your brake pedal, steering wheel or car starts to shake or vibrate then you apply the brakes, it could suggest that your brake rotors are broken and will need replacing.
Need to replace your brakes?
Your brakes will get checked at least once a year when you take it in for its annual MOT and service, however if you do start to experience unusual changes in the braking system then don’t just wait until your next MOT.
If you’re not sure on how to check your brakes yourself then take it into a garage and get them to check it for you. As brakes are the most important safety feature it’s crucial you keep them in a good working order.
Get a Free Brake Check with Protyre
We understand that checking brake health is an essential part of any vehicle's management plan. That's why Protyre offer free brake checks to all our customers to identify brake issues at an early stage before they become a problem. Click on the button below to book your today!