| Regular brake inspections are an essential part of | | | | Your brake warning light comes on. |
| good automotive maintenance that can save you | | | | Your brake pedal is either squishy, difficult to push |
| money and keep your car from wrapping itself | | | | down, or you must pump the brakes to get them to |
| around the first tree out of your driveway. Make | | | | work correctly. |
| sure that your brakes and rotors are receiving the | | | | Your brakes grind continuously and you hear a loud |
| proper maintenance by following the steps outlined. | | | | metallic racket when you push down on them. |
| Your safety as well as that of your passengers, | | | | Your car pulls to one side when you push down on |
| pedestrians, and other drivers is at stake. | | | | the brakes, instead of stopping in a straight line. |
| 1. Time for a free inspection. Many local brake shops | | | | Your car jerks to a halt when you push down on the |
| as well as national brake repair chains offer | | | | brakes. |
| customers free brake inspections at no obligation to | | | | One or more wheels are strikingly hot even after a |
| you. The inspection typically includes the following | | | | brief trip. |
| steps: | | | | You observe fluid leaks in the vicinity of any wheel or |
| Check your vehicle's brake pads and shoes for signs | | | | in the engine section near the master cylinder. |
| of wear; | | | | If you are an at home mechanic, you can complete |
| Fill and/or replace hydraulic fluids; | | | | your own inspections and fit your vehicle with top |
| Examine rotor/drum wear and calipers; | | | | notch replacement parts including brake pads and |
| Examine the anti-lock brake system [if you have one] | | | | calipers. You can save on parts by purchasing them |
| An annual check up of your brakes is wise, but do it | | | | from a reputable online wholesaler such as Pit Stop |
| more often if you drive well above the national | | | | Auto Parts who can offer to you top quality parts at |
| average [about 15,000 miles per year] or if you do | | | | sensible prices, typically much lower than what your |
| heavy stop and go driving. | | | | dealer or an auto parts store would charge you. |
| 2. Awareness is the key. Most brake system | | | | Take care of your vehicle and it will take car of you |
| problems can be avoided if motorists would pay | | | | especially in an emergency situation where a properly |
| attention to certain signs of pending problems | | | | working brake system is an absolute must. |
| including: | | | | |