Sure, you bought your car so you could go somewhere. But when you get there, you better be able to stop. In other words, your brakes are very, very important safety items, and you shouldn’t take them for granted. Because it is Brake Safety Awareness Week, there is no better time to get your brake system checked by a professional service technician. With many families gearing up for the carpool season, checking your brakes before the school year starts and the weather changes will help ensure safe vehicle operation under a variety of conditions.
“Brake Safety Awareness Week is the perfect time to think about what’s stopping your car,” says Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “Brakes are a normal wear item for any car, and eventually they’re going to need to be replaced for both performance and safety reasons. We commend the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) for establishing a designated week to remind motorists of the signs and symptoms that their brake system may need maintenance or repair.”
Motorists should check their braking system at least once a year, but it is important to recognize the warning signs of brake trouble year-round, 24/7. If your car is pulling to the left or right, or if you hear odd noises when you apply the brakes, you should inspect your brakes. Other warning signs include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel and squealing.
A thorough inspection should include brake lining wear, brake fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, plus brake and dash warning lights. It is equally important to take the car for a test drive to detect other potential brake system problems. Several factors that affect brake wear include your personal driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material. Don’t put off your brake inspection. Your life could depend upon it.
