Is Your Car’s Brakes Trying to Tell You Something? 4 Signs You Should Pay Heed to Right Now!

Last year, malfunctioning brakes caused 570 accidents in the UK, causing nine deaths and at least 129 severe injuries. This is an exceptionally large number, considering there are plenty of checks including the annual MOT test that assesses the condition of a car’s brakes. It shows that many British car owners are skipping the minimum required maintenance, exposing themselves and other drivers in harm’s way during their daily commute.

Brakes – what are they?

Brakes are a mechanical device that reduces the speed of your car by transforming the kinetic energy into heat. A complex system of callipers, brake pads, rotors or drums work together to bring your vehicle to a standstill. Modern cars either come with disc or drum brakes, or a combination of both. Most of the time the system is also supplemented by computer controlled anti-lock systems to prevent an accident on adverse weather condition.

Why do they malfunction?

Regular use causes different components of your car brakes to wear out over time. Also, excessive heat can warp parts like brake rotors, causing it to malfunction.

Thankfully, a problem with your car’s brakes Billingborough or anywhere else in the country will show some easy to identify signs. If you know what to look for, you can take your car for a repair as soon as an issue pops up. So, let’s take a look at the signs of a malfunctioning braking system.

1. There is a squealing noise whenever you are applying brakes – Modern cars come with an inbuilt indicator that warns the driver of worn-out brake pads. If the brake pads are worn out, a piece of metal rubs against the rotor and emits a loud, high-pitched noise.
2. Vibration while braking – A warped brake disc will cause your car to vibrate whenever you apply the brakes. If the disc loses its shape, the callipers and brake pads will be ineffective in reducing your car’s speed. This is a serious safety hazard as it compromises the entire system’s performance.
3. Car is veering off to one side – If your vehicle starts veering off to one side whenever you apply its brakes, chances are there is an issue with a collapsed brake hose, uneven brake pads, or contaminated brake fluid. Uneven pressure in one side will cause your car to veer.
4. Soft brake response – A leak in the brake fluid reservoir or cables can decrease its hydraulics pressure, reducing brake paddle response. It can ultimately lead to a complete failure of the system as your car keeps losing braking fluid.

How to keep it in good shape

Experts advise taking your car for at least one check-up and if required, repair every year. Remember to take it to a reputed garage, like Roberts Tyres. You can avail brake repair services, as well as purchase various spares like tyres Sleaford from their workshop.

As a responsible car owner, you should know about the typical signs of malfunctioning brakes so that you can detect, and repair the issue as soon as it pops up. Properly functioning brakes can prove the difference between getting involved in a catastrophic incident and driving away without a scratch.

Car Tyres 101 – How to Choose the Best Set of Tyres for Your Vehicle

 Choosing the best set of tyres for your vehicle can get very confusing at times. There are more than enough brands and variants in the market to spoil a typical Brit car owner for choice. What matters in all of this hullaballoo is getting the right set of tyres onto the car.

Tyres are a critical factor in determining your ride safety and quality. Multiple aspects play a vital role when you select the best set or pair for your car. Let’s take a look and see how to choose the best set of tyres for your vehicle.

How to choose the best car tyres for your car:

1. Driving conditions – Driving conditions determine what type of tyre will be best suited for your car. For example, if you mostly commute in and around a city looking for new tyres in Sleaford or any other metropolitan area in the UK, summer tyres will be the ideal choice. On the other hand, an outdoor enthusiast will be better off using 4X4 tyres for an off-road trip.

Your choice of tyres should also with the seasons. You will need winter tyres for icy slushy conditions and summer tyres for the rest of the year. However, you can also use all-season tyres if you don’t want the hassle of changing tyres every season. Point worth mentioning, all-seasons tyres can handle nearly everything. They are the archetypal ‘jack of all trades,’ but they are also a ‘master of none.’

2. Load and speed ratings – Another important criterion you should maintain is the load and speed rating of your car tyres. Choose a tyre that has the minimum load carrying capacity defined by the manufacturer of your vehicle. For example, if your car’s manufacturer recommends a maximum weight of 590 kg, you have to use tyres that are rated 91, or capable of carrying 615kg without damaging its carcass. You cannot use anything lower than that value.

The speed rating should be equal to, or better than the top speed of your vehicle. So, for example, if your car has a top speed of 130 mph, you will need a set of tyre rated ‘V’, with speed ratings of 149 mph.

3. The OE parts – Ideally, you should always choose tyres that are labelled OE, or Original Equipment, for your vehicle. This eliminates any derivation from the recommended best from the manufacturer. If there is no OE part available, try matching the specification as much as possible while buying a new set.

4. Price – The price of the tyre often becomes an important factor when going for a new set. It is not wise to go for the cheaper option all the time. Try balancing the price with the quality of a product, even if it seems slightly expensive than others. A good quality tyre will give you a longer service life and will prove more economical and safe during your daily commute.

If you think it is time to change your car tyres, you can visit Roberts Tyres to get the best deal in high quality spares and OEs. They are one of the biggest retailers of Car tyresin Heckington and Sleaford and have a team of expert technicians who will help you choose the most suitable tyres for your car.

Don't You Ever Suffer From Aquaplaning Again!

If you have been residing in the UK for years, then you may already be familiar with its weather now. Regardless of the ongoing season, you never know when the next downpour will be that will fill the roads with standing water. An increase in water levels also increases the threat of aquaplaning.

To prepare for it, you must first understand it and learn how to prevent it from happening to you.

What is Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning, also referred to as Hydroplaning, occurs when a layer of water breaks contact between the tyre and the road surface, causing the tyre to lose grip on the surface. This loss of grip and traction results in the driver losing control of the moving vehicle, rendering him unable to brake, accelerate or even steer. It is a terrifying experience and has led to numerous road hazards in the past.

The tyre tread possesses grooves that not only provide traction while cornering but also disperse the water on the road and prevent it from getting below the tyre. However, if the volume of water on the road is higher than the volume of the tyre tread, then there will be an excess amount of water that the tread will be unable to disperse, resulting in aquaplaning.

Aquaplaning mostly affects the front wheels of the vehicle. As the rear wheels trail the first wheel, they largely remain unaffected by the wet surface. Braking will become really challenging as they are biased to the front wheels. The results are even worse for front-wheel car drivers.

What to do in case of Aquaplaning

When your vehicle aquaplanes, you will feel the steering becoming lighter, and engine revs increase. The back end of your vehicle may even start drifting sideways; commonly referred as 'fishtailing'. In case, your car starts aquaplaning, do not panic and simply follow the following steps.

Turn off the cruise control mode if you have it on.

Don't mash on the brakes and keep a steady hold of the steering wheel.

Gently ease your foot off the gas pedal.

As the vehicle decelerates naturally and begins to gain surface traction; apply the brake pedal slowly to reduce the speed and bring it to a halt.

What to do to prevent Aquaplaning from happening

There are some precautionary steps you can take to avoid aquaplaning. Here are few tips you must follow:

Assess weather condition before you drive, especially if you are planning a long distance drive. If it starts raining while you are on the road, reduce your speed and be on the lookout for any deep patches of water in front of you. Always drive slowly in wet conditions.

Check the condition of your tyres in wet conditions. They must be adequately inflated with proper tread depth. Even though the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, experts recommend keeping the tyre tread at 3mm at least.

If you have another car in front of you, follow its tracks at a safer distance. The car in front of you will have dispersed some of the standing water and so will significantly reduce the risk of aquaplaning.

During turns, lower your driving speed and don't change the direction drastically. Keep the steering wheel steady and do not forget to switch off cruise control mode.

Conclusion

It is imperative you use top quality tyres with optimum tread depth and proper pressure. Roberts Tyres provides tyres from the best brands that are reliable and deliver excellent performance. The Tyres Greylees car drivers must opt for are offered by Roberts Tyres based in Sleaford.

If you have any more tips and recommendations pertaining to driving in wet roads, let us know in the comments below.