The other day in my post, 10 Ways to Rev Up for Summer Driving, I mentioned checking the brake fluid and the importance of getting the brakes checked by a certified mechanic you trust. I wrote that letting things go can potentially cause permanent damage to the brakes, could result in less-effective stopping and may even put your life at risk.  I received a few emails from Cars for Girls readers asking how they would know when or if the brakes on their vehicles really needed to be replaced, or at the very least, looked at more closely. While I have written an earlier post on this topic, How Do I Know if I Need New Brakes?, I thought it would be a good idea to go into more detail, especially since I received your emails.

Safe driving really does begin and end with the brakes of your vehicle.  The ability to stop is important to the overall safety of the driver, passengers, pedestrians and other motorists who are sharing the road.  That said, there are direct and indirect signs that certainly indicate the need to repair or replace the brakes on your vehicle, or at the very least, have the brakes checked out by a certified mechanic.

 These signs are:

• When the brake warning light comes on.
• When braking, the vehicle pulls to one side of the road instead of stopping evenly.
• You have to pump the brakes to get the vehicle to stop.
• During stops, the brakes begin to grab, resulting in sudden jerks.
• The wheels of the vehicle are very hot, even after short, routine errands.
• When applying the brake, the brake pedal feels squishy or mushy or alternatively, is hard to press.
• When brake fluid is seen on the ground around the wheels or in the engine.
• If you hear grinding or squealing when you apply the brakes.
• If the brake pedal pulsates when the brakes are applied.
• When the vehicle rolls while in park.

If you are experiencing even one of the above situations, it’s important to take your vehicle in as soon as possible to have things checked out thoroughly by a professional so the brakes can be properly inspected and if necessary, repaired or replaced.

It’s important to note that vehicles use a complex braking system, which is a combination of friction material, rotors and drums, calipers or wheel cylinders and an assembly of springs, hoses, steel lines, valves, and sometimes sensors and computers, so it’s vital to have your vehicle inspected by a certified technician or mechanic who specializes in brake work. This is the reason we never do brake work on any of our vehicles – new or classic and always call in the pros; there’s just too much that can go wrong.  Unless you’re certified to do brake work, never attempt to fix any of the above problems yourself and never leave the work to an amateur.  Your life and the lives of your passengers as well as other motorists – depend on quality brake work.

Often, many local service garages offer a free brake inspection.  They’ll generally check the brake pads and linings for wear, as well as an inspection of the master cylinder, hoses and brake lines, drums and rotors.

Remember, your brakes should always get a comprehensive diagnostic inspection by a mechanic who is certified to do brake work.  Look for service garages that display the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) sign, and since ASE certifies the technical competence of individual technicians and not repair facilities, it’s important to ask the shop owner, mechanic on duty or service manager for a technician who is certified in brake repair.

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