by The principle of ‘Solving problems as they arise’ is good in many areas of life, but definitely not in car maintenance. Because what may ‘arise’ could be brake failure while driving. And that’s really dangerous. Problems with the braking system should be resolved before they occur. It’s not complicated, as there is the Autopro site, where you can quickly, cheaply, and conveniently buy replacement parts.
Main Rules for Brake Maintenance
1. Regular Inspection
Even if the car behaves perfectly, inspect the brakes every 10,000 km of mileage. There should be no ‘bells’ indicating it’s time for diagnostics. Any ‘bells’ are already a distress signal. Check the condition of all elements of the braking system, paying special attention to the pads and discs. If any signs of wear are found during a detailed inspection, repairs should not be postponed. After purchasing a used car, check the brakes immediately, even if the former owner assures you they are in perfect order.
2. Prevention
Did you buy a car older than 10 years? It’s better to replace the brake hoses, no matter how great they look. 10 years of operation means they are definitely worn out and could lead to a breakdown of the brake system at any moment. Together with replacing the hoses, it is recommended to replace the brake fluid.
Brake discs need to be replaced when the workshop master measures their thickness and finds it insufficient. Parts for popular models like Lanos brake discs can quickly be found on the marketplace. But to not miss this moment, visits to the workshop must be regular. Not postponing them for a long time gives you a chance to save money, as slightly worn discs can be resurfaced. The resurfacing procedure returns full functionality to the discs, but it is only possible for a short time when the wear process has already begun, but the thickness still allows for manipulation.
3. Quality of Components
It’s impossible to economize on parts for the braking system because your safety directly depends on them. Cheap pads may start crumbling and damage the discs, and in some cases, such surrogates simply do not perform their function, i.e., they don’t brake. A squeak immediately after installation is a signal that you have wasted money and the pads need to be urgently replaced. Again.
Choose parts from proven manufacturers, and this is not an overpayment for a brand, but a guarantee of quality you can rely on.
