Healthy brakes are vital for your safety on the road

The speed limit in Bermuda is 35km per hour — but with the winding, steep and narrow roads and dense traffic, it is unlikely you will maintain that speed for any length of time.

The constant slowing, stopping and starting of the driving conditions on the island can put extra strain on your brakes, not to mention make it more difficult to control your vehicle.

Brakes are the most important safety device on your car.

Having them inspected twice a year for wear and damage can protect you and passengers, while saving you money as you may discover damage before it becomes too costly.

Pay close attention to your brakes and how they are working so you can catch any issues before potentially endangering yourself and others.

As you drive around, notice how your total brake system performs and ask yourself these questions:

• Does the vehicle take a long time to come to a stop in city traffic? If it does, either your brakes need adjusting or you need new brake linings.
  
  
• Does the vehicle pull to one side when you brake? On vehicles with front disc brakes, the problem could be caused by a sticking caliper or a brake fluid leak.
  
  
• Does your brake pedal vibrate up and down when you stop in a non-emergency situation? A pulsating brake pedal could mean your brakes are overheating from overuse.
  
  
• Does the steering wheel shake when you brake? If it does and you have disc brakes, your front brake discs need to be professionally machined or replaced.
  
  
• Do your brakes squeal when you stop fairly short?
  This can be caused by a few things — worn brake linings, brake drum or disc; front disc brake pads that are loose or missing their anti-rattle clips; or inferior brake linings.
  
  
• Do your brakes make a grinding noise that you can feel in the pedal? Have your vehicle towed to a repair shop immediately.
  Further driving could damage the brake discs or drums. Grinding brakes are caused by excessively worn brake linings — when the lining wears off, the metal part of the brake pad or brake shoe contacts the brake disc or drum and can quickly ruin the most expensive mechanical parts of the brake system.
  
  
• Does your vehicle bounce up and down when you stop short? Your shock absorbers may need to be replaced.

Never put off brake work to stay safe. Also, try to take it easy on the roads.

Maintaining a constant speed as much as possible is not only better on your brakes but also on your wallet as it saves gas.

Remembering these tips will help all of us stay safer on the road.