It's never a good idea to overlook your brake system. After all, when it comes to your safety, nothing is more important than your brakes.
You change your brake pads when they've worn down, right? These parts are noticeable when they've outlived their useful life. But all too often, other basic brake maintenance is overlooked.
The most common aspect of your brakes that is overlooked is the brake fluid. Studies have shown that brake fluid becomes contaminated, on average, every two years. Why is this important?
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid, and its job is to transmit force and apply the brakes. As your brake fluid becomes contaminated with moisture, this once non-compressible fluid now does compress, which results in having to apply more pressure on the brakes. In an emergency situation, this means it will take longer than expected to stop. The more contaminated the brake fluid is, the longer it will take for your vehicle to stop.
Newer vehicles are equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), which require extra care due to their sophistication—not to mention the hefty price tag that comes with repairing them.
To avoid any reduced brake efficiency or component damage, it's essential to visit your local Corpus Christi Brake Repair facility to have a system check performed on your brakes. When your brakes are being checked, make sure the ASE-Certified technician at the Corpus Christi Brake Repair not only checks the pads and fluid, but also the lines and hoses. And if your vehicle has rear drum brakes, they have most likely been knocked out of place so they should be adjusted as well. Finally, make sure the emergency brake is properly adjusted too.
If you keep up on you brakes' maintenance, just be sure to continue flushing the brake fluid at your Corpus Christi Brake Repair's recommended interval. This will keep your brakes working in tip-top shape and ready for any situation that may occur.