Posted on September 6th, 2024.

Welcome to our article on easy brake system maintenance tips for better performance. As a car owner, it is important to understand the importance of keeping your brakes in top condition. Proper maintenance not only ensures your safety on the road, but it also helps improve the overall performance of your vehicle.

In this article, we will discuss some simple yet effective tips for maintaining your brake system.

 

Whether you are a seasoned car enthusiast or a new driver, these tips will help you keep your brakes in optimal condition and ensure a smoother and safer driving experience. So, let's dive in and learn how to maintain your brakes for better performance!

 

 

Car's Brake System

The car brake system is an essential aspect of vehicle safety, and proper car brake system maintenance can prolong its life and ensure your vehicle stops efficiently. Cars primarily use two types of brakes: hydraulic disc brakes and mechanical disc brakes.

In hydraulic disc brakes, brake fluid transfers the force from the brake pedal to the brake components. When you press the brake pedal, the fluid pushes against the pistons in the calipers, which in turn press the brake pads against the rotors to create friction and slow your vehicle down.

Mechanical disc brakes, on the other hand, use a cable to directly transfer the force from the brake pedal to the brake calipers.

Both hydraulic and mechanical disc brakes consist of various brake components that work together to ensure your car stops efficiently. The rotors, usually made of cast iron or composites, are the flat, disc-like parts that wheel hubs attach to. As they spin with your wheels, they provide the surface for the brake pads to clamp onto. The pads themselves are made of friction material designed to wear down slowly while providing high resistance against heat and wear. Over time, these pads thin out and need to be replaced regularly as part of routine car brake system maintenance.

 

Signs of Brake Problems

Identifying signs of brake problems early on is crucial for maintaining brake safety.

• Squeaking or squealing noises are among the most recognizable indicators that your brake system needs attention. Most often, this noise is caused by wear indicators, small metal tabs built into brake pads, designed to create a screeching sound when the pads need replacing. If you hear this noise consistently, it’s time to have those brake pads checked.
• Another common sign of brake issues is a grinding noise, which usually means the brake pads are so worn down that the metal of the caliper is rubbing against the metal of the rotor. Ignoring this can cause severe damage to the rotor, leading to more costly repairs. Always heed these sounds—your brakes are trying to tell you something.
• Besides audible warnings, changes in your vehicle’s stopping performance can signal brake problems. Does your car take longer to stop than usual? Longer stopping distances are often an indication that your brakes are losing their effectiveness, potentially because of worn-out pads or low brake fluid.
• Another sign is a soft or spongy brake pedal, which might suggest air in the brake lines or a brake fluid leak. You might also feel vibrations or a pulsing sensation in the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking, which often points to warped rotors. These performance issues are not just nuisances; they are potential hazards that can compromise your safety on the road.

 

Routine Brake Maintenance Tips

Routine brake maintenance isn’t just about fixing issues when they arise; it's about preventing them in the first place.

One of the simplest yet most important brake maintenance tips is to regularly inspect your brake pads and rotors. You can do this yourself by looking through the spaces in your wheels to see if the pads are wearing thin. Generally, brake pads should be replaced when they are less than a quarter-inch thick. If the pads appear much thinner than that, it might be time to consider brake pad replacement. Similarly, take a close look at your brake rotors. If you notice grooves, score marks, or any signs of damage, this is a clear indication that the brake rotor replacement might be necessary. Ensuring these components are in good shape can avoid unnecessary wear and tear on other parts of your brake system.

Next up, don’t forget to regularly check your brake fluid levels. Just like motor oil, brake fluid is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with moisture and other impurities, which could reduce its efficacy. Start by locating the brake fluid reservoir under the hood of your car. Make sure the fluid level is between the minimum and maximum markers. If you find that you need to add fluid frequently, it could indicate a more significant problem, like a leak in the brake lines or master cylinder. Always use the type of brake fluid recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer to ensure optimal performance. Replacing brake fluid generally every couple of years is a good practice to maintain the overall health of the brake system.

Now, let’s talk about a fantastic tool for taking your brake system maintenance up a notch: the brake scan tool. This handy device helps diagnose various issues within your brake system, making it easier to catch problems early and avoid extensive, costly repairs. A brake scan tool connects to your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system, reading error codes that could indicate issues with various brake components. By providing you with detailed information like brake fluid pressure, ABS sensor readings, and other vital stats, a brake scan tool empowers you to understand exactly what’s going on under the hood.

When you have identified the problem, you can take appropriate action, whether it’s something you can fix yourself or an issue that requires professional attention. Familiarize yourself with the readings and what they signify; many tools offer real-time data that can help you spot problems before they escalate. 

 

When to Seek Professional Help

When should you seek professional help? While many brake system maintenance tasks can be managed at home with a bit of know-how, certain situations undeniably call for expert attention. For starters, if you’ve noticed persistent issues like the grinding noise previously mentioned, don’t wait until it worsens. Grinding could mean the brake pads are entirely worn out, and driving in this condition could damage the rotors.

Similarly, if your brake pedal frequently feels spongy or sinks to the floorboard, it’s critical to have a professional diagnose and fix the problem immediately. These symptoms often indicate air in the brake lines or potential fluid leaks, which can be hazardous if not addressed promptly. Leveraging a professional’s expertise ensures that all aspects of your brake system are thoroughly checked and any underlying issues are correctly identified.

Another red flag is a vibrating or pulsating brake pedal, which can often signify warped rotors—a more intricate and delicate repair best left to professionals. Consistently low brake fluid levels, even after topping them off, also point to deeper issues within the brake system such as leaks in the brake lines or problems with the master cylinder. Addressing such complications requires specialized tools and a seasoned hand.

Additionally, complex systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) sensors or electronic brake controllers can be challenging to diagnose and repair without professional training. Bringing your car in for professional brake system maintenance can prevent these issues from escalating into more significant, costlier repairs.

 

Reach out for professional help

If you're looking to ensure your vehicle's braking system remains in top condition, considering professional maintenance is a wise move. At Marathon Auto Body and Repair, we understand the vital role a reliable brake system plays in your daily commute, weekend drives, or long road trips. Our team excels in providing thorough brake maintenance services, ensuring each component, from pads to rotors, fluid levels to ABS sensors, is meticulously checked and serviced.

Don’t wait until minor issues become major problems. Explore our services. Schedule a comprehensive brake check with us by calling +1 (317) 377-4511 or emailing [email protected]. Drive with confidence, knowing your car is in the best possible hands.