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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
