Your go-to guide for car brake maintenance

Brakes are critical components in your car as they control the speed, aid in safe manoeuvring, and avoid accidents. In an emergency, brakes must be in excellent condition to bring the vehicle to a safe halt with the least stopping distance. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain car brakes and braking systems regularly.

We explain brake maintenance, different types of brakes, how brake systems work, common brake issues, self-maintenance, and when to seek professional help. With this, you can identify brake issues with your car before they become severe, along with preventive measures to ensure long-lasting brakes.

Understanding the car’s braking system

Knowing how a car brake system works will help you understand the cause of various issues in the braking system.

Types of brakes - disc brake and drum brakes

Brakes are typically of two kinds - Disc brakes and drum brakes.

The disc brakes have three main components - a rotor, a calliper, and brake pads. The rotor rotates with the wheels while the calliper stays stationary. When brakes are applied, the pistons in the calliper squeeze on the brake pads against the rotor. This creates friction and slows down the wheel speed. Disc brakes are efficient in braking and heat dissipation. Almost all cars come equipped with disc brakes on the front wheels in India. However, some premium vehicles are equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels.

Drum brakes have three main components - drum, brake shoes, and wheel cylinder. The wheel is attached to the drum while the brake shoe stays stationary. When the brakes are applied, the fluid pressure pushes the pistons in the wheel cylinder outward. Pistons press the brake shoes against the interior lining of the brake drum, slowing it down.

Drum brakes are cheaper braking systems but do not provide excellent stopping power. Also, due to enclosed construction, drum brakes are not efficient in dissipating heat generated while braking. The effectiveness of drum brakes is reduced by multiple uses in a short time due to excessive heating. Drum brakes were prevalent in older vehicles whereas, in modern cars, they are present on the rear wheels of most entry level cars.

How do brakes work?

The fundamental design of the brakes is to convert the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat and dissipate the generated heat into the atmosphere. When you press the brake pedal, the brake fluid inside the brake lines is forced through the brake callipers. Callipers then squeeze the brake pads against the rotors in disc brakes or push the brake shoes against the drum in drum brakes. The friction slows the rotation of the wheels, bringing your car to a stop.

Common brake issues in a car

Here are some common brake issues that you might face in your car.

• Squeaking or grinding noise
• Vibrations while braking
• Spongy or soft brake pedal feel
• Brake fading
• Reduced braking performance

If any of these brake-related problems arise, it’s time to inspect your car’s brakes. Ignoring these signs can lead to more extensive repairs and compromise your safety on the road.

Tips for optimal braking performance

Keep your car’s brakes in optimum condition by following essential maintenance tips.

• Check the brake fluid level and top-up if required; flush the fluid at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals
• Check brake pedal play
• Observe the car’s braking performance
• Brake pads/shoe inspection and replace them if found worn-out
• Bleed brake lines to remove trapped air bubbles
• General brake inspection if unwanted noise is heard
• If the tyre slips under hard braking, have the ABS module checked (if equipped)

Self-car brake maintenance vs professional service

Brake maintenance tasks you can do at home

There are only limited car brake maintenance tasks that can be performed at home, such as checking the brake fluid level, observing braking performance, pedal feel, etc. These tasks can be money savers as they can uncover any more severe issues with the braking system.

When to get professional help?

Specific tasks can only be performed at a fully equipped car facility, such as replacing the brake rotor, rotor resurfacing, changing worn-out brake pads, etc. If a significant problem arises with the braking system, such as leaking brake lines, low fluid level, noise, etc., you should get the brakes inspected by a professional car workshop such as FourDoor. A car garage with skilled mechanics offers the expertise of experienced mechanics with the latest equipment.

When looking for a car workshop near you, one must check the customer ratings and reviews, visit the workshop before and get quotes for brake maintenance and repairs.

Preventive measures for reliable braking performance

The best way to keep your car brakes in good condition is by following preventive measures.

• Avoid late and hard braking frequently
• Never over speed as it might require hard braking
• Use engine braking while driving downhill to prevent brake fading
• Opt for regular car inspections to find hidden and minor issues
• Follow regular maintenance schedules as advised by the manufacturer
• Follow seasonal maintenance for summer, monsoon, and winter

Conclusion

Car brake maintenance is essential for your safety on the roads. You must monitor the performance of your braking system and look for signs of degradation. If you hear unwanted noises or your braking effectiveness is reduced, you must immediately go for a brake inspection. To keep your brakes last longer, follow important driving habits and adhere to preventive measures.

FAQs

Q. How to maintain a car's brakes properly?

Check for brake fluid level, unwanted noise, pedal feel, and braking performance.

Q. How often should you change your car brakes?

The car’s brake pads should be changed at manufacturer’s recommended intervals, or when they are worn-out or a grinding noise is heard while braking. The disc rotors should be changed when the thickness goes below the manufacturer’s prescribed level.

Q. How often should car brakes be serviced?

Car brakes should be inspected yearly for new cars and in six months for older cars. Brakes are typically serviced every year during the car’s scheduled service.