Archive for November, 2009
Making Sure Your Car’s Brakes Are Ready For An Emergency
by admin on Nov.12, 2009, under Car Maintenance
Making Sure Your Car’s Brakes Are Ready For An Emergency
Imagine that you’re driving at 65 mph and a young child suddenly steps out into the street directly in your path. Would you be able to stop your vehicle in time? How much time would pass before your brain would tell your foot to hit the brake pedal?
If we assume normal road conditions, you’ll probably need up to 200 feet to bring your car to a full stop. Given that a typical reaction time will be at least one second, you’ll use between 70 and 100 feet just to take action. That leaves very little room for error. And that assumes your braking system is working properly.
These type of emergencies occur every day to drivers who are unprepared for them. It can also happen to you. That’s why it is critical that you keep your braking system in good condition. In this article, I’ll explain why you shouldn’t wait for your ABS warning light to go on before having a mechanic inspect your brakes.
Don’t Wait For Your Warning System
Most drivers wait until their ABS lights come on before taking their vehicles to a repair garage. Or, they’ll wait until they hear the horrible grinding sound of metal rubbing against metal before asking a mechanic to inspect their brakes. The problem is twofold.
First, by the time the warning light flickers on, your braking system is already in dire need of attention. That means it already represents a safety risk. Given that most motorists procrastinate before visiting a mechanic, waiting for the light is dangerous.
Second, if you’re hearing metal grinding on metal, there’s a good chance that your braking system will need to be overhauled. Replacing the pads is one thing; replacing the pads and discs, and needing to have the rotor machined is another thing entirely. And it’s far more expensive.
Routine Inspections And Signs Of Trouble
You should have a mechanic inspect your brakes at least once a year. I would go further and suggest that you ask the technicians at the repair shop to inspect them whenever you have the oil changed, tires rotated, or the front-end aligned. The reason is because you’ll need to take the tires off to inspect the pads, discs, and rotors.
If a long time has passed since your braking system was last inspected, you may notice a few warning signs. For example, you might experiencing pulling to one side as you’re braking. You may also feel a vibration or pulsing when you press down on the brake pedal. If the pedal sinks without support when you press down on it, there may be a leak somewhere in the system. If you notice any of these telltale signs, have a mechanic take a look at the problem as soon as possible.
It is vital that you keep your car’s brakes in good working condition. That way, you’ll be ready for an emergency if it presents itself.