How to tell if you need new brakes

The most important safety feature of your vehicle is the braking system. 

Today, most cars have hydraulic brake systems, which consist of disc brakes in the front and either disc or drum brakes at the rear wheels. A system of tubes and hoses links the brake at each wheel to the master cylinder. When the brake pedal is pressed, pressurized hydraulic fluid is sent to the brake components, resulting in friction that slows the vehicle.

Drum Brakes

Earlier automobiles used to have drum brakes at all four wheels, so named because the components were housed in a round drum that rotated along with the wheel. Inside was a set of shoes that, when the brake pedal was pressed, would force the shoes against the drum and slow the wheel. The problem was the friction caused heat to build up in the drum resulting in loss of effectiveness under high-braking circumstances, like descending a steep hill with a heavy load or repeated high-speed slow-downs.

Disc Brakes

Though disc brakes rely on the same basic principles as drum brakes, their design is far superior. Instead of housing the major components, the rotor used in disc brakes is fully exposed to outside air. This exposure works to constantly cool the rotor, greatly reducing its tendency to overheat or cause fading.

Safety and service

Ensuring that your brakes will effectively stop your vehicle is crucial so make sure you follow the service schedule outlined in your owner’s manual or check with your automotive service centre for advice on regular brake checks. In addition, paying attention to the warning signs that indicate a need for service can mean the difference between life and death on the road.

Aside from the obvious sign of the brake light going on, you can often tell if there’s an issue with your braking system through noises or the feel of the brake pedal when you step on it.

If you hear a high-pitched squeal from the braking system it could mean the pads are worn and need to be replaced. Disc brake pads usually have a piece of metal on them called a wear indicator that squeals when your pads need replacing. 

Also, listen for a harsh grinding sound. This could mean that you’ve gone completely through your brake pads and now, when you apply the brakes, the metal of the callipers is grinding against the metal of your rotors. Not only is this an ineffective way to stop your car, but it can cause further damage, thus turning a relatively easy and inexpensive pad job into a more costly repair.

A mushy pedal, one that goes practically to the floor before engaging the brakes, could indicate worn pads or a problem with the hydraulic system, such as air in the line, an air leak or a brake fluid leak. 

The opposite of a mushy pedal is one that causes the brakes to grab immediately at the slightest touch. This could indicate an unevenly worn rotor, dirty brake fluid or contamination of the fluid by moisture.

If you notice any of these signs, take your vehicle to an automotive service centre immediately for a check. 

Bermuda, with its hilly and winding roads, is the last place you want to be driving without good brakes. 

For more information on automobile maintenance, contact Krishna King, After sales parts manager, Bermuda Motors Limited at 292-0893 or [email protected]. Website: www.bermudamotors.bm