Useful tips on getting your brakes properly checked

Automobile technology is constantly advancing at a very fast pace. As a result of this continuous enhancement a number of safety features we have already been introduced to ranging from autonomous driving systems, traction control and ABS to lane warnings to name a few. But that does not mean we can afford to overlook the basics and as we all know the brakes happen to be one of the fundamental as well as most critical components related to safety in vehicles.

The braking system in any vehicle ensures safe driving. It allows motorists to control and reduce the speed of their vehicles and navigate the road with more control. It is the brakes that enable motorists to bring their vehicles to a complete stop to avoid any potential danger. Any vehicle that has faulty or worn-out brakes is more likely to befall accidents compared to the vehicles that have smoothly functioning braking systems. It is indeed necessary to assign priority to preventive maintenance of the braking system of any vehicle. This routine task becomes much easier as you familiarise with the brake systems. In the following sections of this post let us explore the fundamentals of the vehicle braking system. This discussion not only prove helpful maintain the brakes of your car in proper shape minimising the risks of accidents but also equip you to decipher the common warning signs that any faulty barking system shows.

The basics of vehicle braking system

A standard motor vehicle like a car or a light truck has a typical braking system which includes a set of four elements. Each of these component elements works in support with others to provide a complete braking system for the vehicle explain professional mechanics in London who check my brakes over the years. The elements include the following –

·         Brake pads, discs and callipers – brakes that are found in contemporary vehicles are different from those used in the bygone eras. Modern brakes are better called disc brakes and are based on one or two brake callipers along with a rotor or disc placed on each wheel. As you press on the brake pedal, the callipers squeeze the disk and apply frictional force. As a result, the axle of the vehicle slows down as well as the speed.

·         Brake fluid, master cylinder and lines – The braking system of any vehicle requires a brake fluid to perform its tasks properly. This is braking power is ultimately created every time when you have to slow your vehicle down.

·         Parking brake – The parking brake of vehicles is also known by other names like handbrake or emergency brake. This is actually a secondary braking mechanism for your vehicle and it works independently of the pedal brake. The emergency brake in a vehicle either makes use of a mechanical system or an electric motor system to apply force to the calliper or the discs to restrict the speed of your vehicle. When your handbrake is in fine working condition and you apply it, the brake keeps the vehicle stationary while in parking or static condition. It is important to have your hand or parking brakes checked by skilled professionals at regular intervals. Modern parking or hand brakes have added features like automatic engagement or disengagement, hill detection and others although the basic approach in designing the system is the same as mentioned above. 

·         ABS or anti-lock braking system – Vehicles manufactured since and after the 1980s usually have the ABS braking system. It is an additional element in the standard brakes of a vehicle. The ABS is based on electronic technology and is capable to detect whether the wheels are in the condition to lock up as a result of excessive or hard braking. In absence of the ABS wheel lock up may result from hard braking and thus you cannot turn the steering wheel. It is also not possible to lock a vehicle in a straight line in absence of it. As you apply brakes in your moving vehicle, ABS automatically modulates the pressure applied in braking. This ensures deceleration sets in the vehicle while minimising or even completely preventing lockup of the wheels. The ABS not only enables you to react promptly in situations of potential danger but also turn the vehicle as it decelerates.

Common issues with the braking system of vehicles

Brake system in automobiles is no doubt complex in architecture and includes an array of components. When a part of it gets damaged or starts wearing out it is important to identify those symptoms. Here are few such issues that crop up frequently.

The dashboard warning lights

The warning lights in your dashboard give a very clear signal when there is a potential problem with the vehicles brake system. In the latest models of vehicles, the dashboard has dedicated lights for ABS related issues. There is also a parking brake light which shows the letter P in a circle explain professional mechanics who get brakes checked to identify any potential issue. Some vehicles come with two warning lights in different colours usually red and yellow to indicate any problem related to the brake. The yellow light goes on for minor issues like ABS problem and these issues need to be addressed soon. The red light goes on for major issues that require immediate attention. When the level of brake fluid goes down the red light shows up.

Leakage of the brake fluid

Leakage of brake fluid is indicated by unexpected accumulation of fluid near one of the wheels. This issue may occur because any of the following reasons – leakage in brake callipers, some fault in the master cylinder, brake fluid lines and connections become worn out and other such factors. Recognising brake fluid is easy because of its colour which is usually clear or light yellow when fresh. Whereas worn out fluid turns black or brown. It is crucial for every motorist to know how to check car brakes. When the level of brake fluid runs low that is a dangerous situation to drive any vehicle. The lesser level of brake fluid indicates the lesser powerful brakes. If you notice any leakage that you think could be brake fluid, just get it checked and fixed by 24hr Mobile Tyre Repair London’s professional immediately.