Brakes are one of the most important parts of any vehicle.
Over time, brake pads and calipers will experience wear and will need to be replaced. This post outlines some of the most important things you need to know about brake repairs.
How do brakes work?
A car’s brakes consist of a system that leads from your brake pedal to the wheels. When you apply pressure to the pedal, brake fluid is sent along a series of pipes. These pipes connect to hydraulic pistons positioned beside your car’s wheels. Attached to each piston is a disc and pad, which closes against the wheel and forces it to slow/stop.
Each part of this brake system can fail – the most common part to fail being brake pads. It’s worth noting that there is a separate system for the parking brake, which is usually operated via a lever or button attached to drum brakes.
When should you get your brakes repaired?
Brake pads typically need to be changed every 25,000 to 65,000 miles. How often you need to change them depends on your driving style, the terrain you typically drive over and the weather conditions you regularly drive in.
You can visually inspect pads to see if they are worn. Some cars also have warning lights to tell you when there is a problem. Other than this, there will usually be telltale signs such as grinding or squealing noises, vibrations when braking or longer stopping times.
If the brake pedal feels squishy or there is a puddle of fishy-smelling yellow liquid below your car, it’s usually a sign of a brake fluid leak. If your car pulls to one side or tires are heavily worn on one side of the car, it could be a sign of brake misalignment. Both issues are often the result of wear and tear or driving over rough surfaces (in the case of misalignment).
How can I save money on brake repairs?
Certain brake repair jobs like replacing brake pads may be possible to do yourself on most basic cars. However, it depends on whether you feel confident to take on such a job.
Buying your own brake parts instead of letting a mechanic buy them for you can be another way to save money. Some mechanics will try to make a profit off of any parts they have to buy. You can buy niche parts such Bendix brake calipers online – often at cheap prices if you shop around. Try to avoid buying used parts as you’ll have to replace them sooner and some parts may not be safe.
It’s worth noting that you can invest in more premium brakes for your car. This will result in better stopping power, but there could be caveats like increased tire wear.
To reduce the frequency in which you get brake repairs, consider the way in which you drive. If you’re constantly speeding up and slamming on the brakes, you’re likely to wear out your brakes sooner. Progressive braking can lead to reduced wear.
Conclusion
Regularly inspecting your brakes and looking out for warning signs can ensure that you get repairs done in good time so that you are safe on the road. To save money on brake repairs, buy your own parts or consider doing your own DIY fixes (providing you feel confident to do them yourself). Consider also adjusting your driving style, as this could extend the life of your brakes.
