REGULAR AUTO MAINTENANCE TO AVOID BRAKE FAILURE

 


Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the proper functioning of your car's brakes and to prevent brake failure. Brake failure is catastrophic. Imagine hurtling down a highway and pressing on the brakes to slow or stop the car and there is no way you can stop the car. Or approaching a light and seeing the car in front of you appear close and closer but you can’t stop the car and will eventually slam into the car in front of you. Of course, no one wants that to happen, but it does too much.

Fleet News in the UK quoted the Department of Transport revealing that defective brakes contributed to a total of 3,894 accidents from 2013 to 2018. In the United States, a leading law firm says 5% of the crashes each year are because of brake failure. Given that there are 5.6 million crashes per year, that means that brake failure accounts for about 300,000 crashes each year.

Therefore, regular maintenance is essential to keep your car’s brakes from failing. As a leading Auto Repair Mechanic in Queens, our Repair Shop regularly performs brake service and maintenance for our customers. Here are some key maintenance tasks to help keep your brakes in good condition:

Regularly inspect your brake system for any signs of wear, damage, or leaks. Pay attention to the brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines.Check your brake fluid levels. Check the brake fluid level regularly and ensure it is within the recommended range. If the fluid is low, it may indicate a leak or excessive brake pad wear.

Check the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the brake rotors. Replace brake pads if they are worn down, and replace or resurface the rotors if they show signs of damage or uneven wear.

Periodically flush and replace the brake fluid according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This helps prevent fluid contamination and maintains the effectiveness of the brake system.

Inspect brake lines for any signs of damage, corrosion, or leaks. Replace damaged or corroded brake lines promptly. Inspect brake hoses for cracks or damage, and check the calipers for proper functioning. Address any issues with hoses or calipers promptly.

Bleed the brake system to remove air bubbles and ensure that the brakes maintain optimal hydraulic pressure. This is particularly important after brake component replacements or if you notice a spongy brake pedal.

If your vehicle has drum brakes, inspect the wheel cylinders for leaks and proper operation. Replace any leaking or malfunctioning wheel cylinders. Check the hardware associated with the brakes, such as springs, clips, and pins. Ensure that they are in good condition and functioning as intended. See a professional mechanic like the Auto Repair Mechanic in Queens for expert service and advice.

Regularly rotate and balance your tires. Uneven tire wear can affect brake performance. Rotating and balancing tires as recommended can help ensure even wear.

If your vehicle is equipped with an ABS, ensure that the system is functioning properly. Address any ABS warning lights promptly by having the system inspected.

As you can see, these steps to check and maintain your brakes should be left to a professional mechanic. Regularly scheduled maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of brake issues can help prevent brake failure and ensure the safety of your vehicle. If you're unsure about any aspect of brake maintenance, consult your vehicle's owner's manual or seek professional assistance from a qualified mechanic. If you are in the Astoria, Queens area or surrounding, then see our  Auto Repair Mechanic in Queens for top service.

Steinway Auto Repair is a top auto repair mechanic in Queens, family owned and operated in business for over twenty-five years. If you are located in the tristate areas of New York, New Jersey or Connecticut we are happy to assist you with your vehicle repair and maintenance needs.

 

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