5 New Brake Maintenance Tips for New Drivers
Finally getting your driving licence is an exciting feat. But you have to remember that being a licenced driver doesn’t give you the right to drive as you please. You’re now responsible for driving safely to protect pedestrians, other drivers, and yourself when on the road.
That’s why you need to make an effort to follow the rules of the road before you take your vehicle out for a spin. You also need to ensure that you’re in a good physical & mental state so that you can make good driving decisions.
Aside from these, you also have to make sure that your vehicle is in good driving condition. Ensuring that its components are operating properly will give you peace of mind knowing that the vehicle will respond to your manoeuvres.
Unfortunately, your vehicle will experience issues after many years of driving. The Dodge RAM’s braking system, for example, can fail because of damaged Dodge RAM brake pads or low brake fuel levels. The rotors can also crack due to hard braking.
Driving with faulty brakes is dangerous because you can lose control over your vehicle when you least expect it. Allowing the damage to worsen can also result in more expensive repairs.
To fulfil your responsibility as a vehicle owner and road user, here are 5 tips to help you maintain your vehicle’s brakes:
Be Mindful of Your Brake System Warning Light
The brake system warning light is located on the instrument cluster on your vehicle’s dashboard. Its purpose is to warn you when your vehicle is experiencing brake issues. When you see it flashing, don’t ignore it. Your best move is to send your vehicle to your trusted mechanic, so they can fix the issue.
Even if you feel like you’re dealing with a minor problem, it’s safer to have your vehicle’s brakes inspected. This way, the damage can be properly addressed before it affects the performance of your vehicle.
Be Familiar with Brake Failure Warning Signs
There are times when you can detect brake system failure even before your vehicle’s brake system warning light comes on. There are several tell-tale signs that your vehicle’s brakes are experiencing issues. Some of the most common include:
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Squealing or squeaking noises
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Grinding noises
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Soft or loose brake pad
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Vehicle pulls to one side when braking
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Burning smells when braking
If you’re familiar with the symptoms of bad brakes, you can immediately check your vehicle and apply the right repair method. If you can’t fix the issue yourself, it’s best to let a mechanic take care of the repairs.
Replace or Upgrade Your Brake Pads, Rotors, and Brake Lines
If you’re running with damaged, worn, or old brake system parts, you should get them replaced ASAP. Driving with malfunctioning brake components puts you and your passengers’ lives in danger. They can also permanently damage your vehicle’s brake system and other vital parts.
Your vehicle’s brake system sees a lot of abuse, so it’s recommended to replace them after reaching 40,000 to 100,000 kilometres—which is the average service life of most brake systems. Of course, the lifespan of your brake pads, rotors, and brake lines will ultimately depend on how you drive your vehicle. If you drive in areas that require you to brake more (e.g., mountainous roads and cities with stop-and-go traffic), your brakes will wear out faster.
It’s also a good idea to upgrade your brake pads and rotors if you plan to use your vehicle for heavy-duty applications. For example, if you plan to turn your truck into a powerful workhorse for towing or hauling cargo, you need to install more durable and longer-lasting brake pads and rotors.
Practice Proper Braking System Care
To ensure that your vehicle’s brakes last, you have to learn how to properly take care of them. Looking after your brakes is one of the best ways to maintain their build and performance, as well as reduce the number of times to have them professionally inspected.
When it comes to braking system care, you have to avoid overloading your vehicle and making unnecessary late or heavy braking. You also have to properly clean and dry your rotors after driving on wet roads to lower the risk of rust.
Have Your Brakes Inspected Regularly
Finally, it’s essential to have your vehicle’s brake system regularly checked by a qualified mechanic. They will give you a rundown of your braking system’s condition, as well as make the necessary repairs to make it work like new.
Your trusted mechanic can also suggest brake upgrades to further improve your vehicle’s braking performance. What’s more, having your vehicle’s brakes checked often will ensure that it stays in good shape longer.
Constantly checking your vehicle’s braking system before and after your drives might feel like a chore. However, doing this regularly will give you an idea of the current condition of your rotors, brake pads, and brake lines. When you notice that there’s something wrong, you can immediately take the necessary steps to restore them and keep your drives safe and comfortable.