Functioning brakes are vital to automobile safety. While your car might not move without a working engine, it can’t stop without working brakes – and that is arguably more important!
Brake maintenance is crucial to ensure safe stopping. Here are a few ways to do exactly that, yourself or with the help of a pro:
Check Your Brake Fluid Regularly
The fluids that your car requires are important factors in its function – and that includes brake fluid. Brake fluid is what allows your brakes to work properly and ensure a smooth stop.
You can check the brake fluid yourself. Just compare the current level against the minimum suggested by the reservoir markings to keep levels where they belong. If you don’t know how or where to find the fluid reservoir, check out sites like YouTube to find easy tutorials for brake fluid maintenance.
Examine Brake Lines and Check Hoses
Your brake lines are a vital aspect of your car’s safety and function. The same goes for brake line hoses. These move the fluids through the brake system and deliver smooth, safe stopping power. Damage to these lines and hoses is dangerous, and corrosion or leakage is a sign that you need repair or replacement.
Some people are comfortable checking their own brake lines and hoses, while others prefer to have this maintenance performed by a professional. Either way, it is important to conduct these inspections routinely to prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones.
Take Your Technician for a Test Drive
Most people bring their vehicles to their local car mechanic in Fitchburg, WI with a short description of what’s going on. While it is always a good idea to give your technician as many details about your car’s issues as possible, it isn’t always sufficient. If you really want to offer a solid idea of the problem, take them for a short ride or hand them the keys. This way, they can see, hear, and feel the issues themselves.
Your brakes are essential to your car’s – and your family’s – safety. Keep them well-maintained and replaced when needed to keep your car working and your loved ones safe on the road.
