Brake Repair Dos and Don'ts

Brake repair servicing is an important task in terms of safety and the efficiency of your vehicle. This is not something to mess around with. A competent technician should help you maintain the braking systems at scheduled intervals. Here are some dos and don'ts about brake jobs:

DO check your auto owner's manual in order to find out the recommended time schedule of service for your particular make, model and year of vehicle. All cars have different manufacturer's recommendations and it's important to take note of them.

DO take your driving style and conditions into consideration. If a motorist hauls travel trailers around while touring the countryside, this will cause more wear-and-tear on the brakes. If the vehicle owner does a lot of construction projects that entail hauling lumber and other heavy items, this is heavier use than usual and will mean more frequent servicing than that of the average driver. If steep mountainous roads are traveled regularly, these halting devices will be put to the test. If an urban driver must make multiple stops at red lights during daily commutes, the pads and other braking components will wear out more quickly than those that merely travel the freeways.

DON'T ignore warning lights on the dashboard. These lights may be an indication of a multitude of mechanical issues including low brake fluids or other more serious problems that are ready to present themselves. When the little lights start flashing on the dashboard, figure out what they are trying to tell you. The owner's manual has a glossary and pictures to help sleuth it out.

DO take note of that screeching sound. Screeching sounds may mean that the pads are wearing thin and must be replaced soon. If a motorist decides to ignore the worn out pads, many more pricey components may wear out next. Screeches require a check up with the auto mechanic. Those annoying noises may simply be an indication that dirt and debris has worked its way into the system. A simple cleaning could stop the noise and let you breathe a sigh of relief.

DO educate yourself: Many community colleges and trade schools offer classes in auto mechanics which include working on the systems in your own car. A bit of knowledge can save a lot of money.

DON'T forget to ask the mechanic for your old parts: It's helpful to understand what wore out and why. It also keeps the communication flowing between owners and technicians honest by showing the soon-to-be discarded unusable parts.

DO get recommendations from friends and family: Word-of-mouth referrals are some of the best ways to discover quality service personnel and shops. Ask your network of contacts what they appreciated and didn't care for regarding past repair personnel experiences.

DON'T forget to post a reminder on your windshield or calendar: Reminders of next service due can help keep preventative maintenance on track. Writing it down in your owner's manual is a great way to keep on schedule, as well.

A motorist who follows the dos and don'ts of brake repair will be doing everyone on the road a favor. Stay safe and maintain your automobile's halting system.