Parts of a car’s braking system are designed to wear out, and when this happens they will lose their effectiveness. How often should a car’s brake system be inspected? It is recommended that you have the major brake system components inspected once a year or approximately every 10,000 miles. How often you should have your brake system inspected depends on things such as how you drive (how you brake in particular), the age of your car, the type of brake system, whether you live in hilly or flat terrain, whether you drive on the highway or in the city, and the type of braking system it has. Under Hood Inspection Check the brake fluid level in the master brake cylinder reservoir. Fill it in if necessary. Make sure that no dust or dirt gets into the tank. If you need to add more than 2 ounces of brake fluid frequently, there may be a leak somewhere in the brake system. Brake fluid should be clear, not dark in any way. If so, it may be time to replace it. Inspecting the Brake System While Driving If the brake pedal almost touches the floor or loses its footing, there may be a leak somewhere in the brake system or the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir is low. A vibrating or pulsing sensation in the brake pedal and/or steering wheel may be a sign that the brake pads and rotors or brake shoes and drums need repair or replacement. A slight squeak is normal, especially when the car is cold. If you hear a metal-on-metal sound, have your brakes checked immediately. Under the car Inspect the metal brake lines that run the length of the car and also the rubber hoses that deliver the brake fluid to the brake calipers and make sure that the lines and hoses are not damaged in any way and also that are free of any moving or heat-generating parts. Disc Brake Inspection In disc brake systems, the parts that are designed to wear are:
or brake pads
or rotors, also called discs
or calipers, in particular the piston or pistons therein
Inspect the condition of the brake pads and rotors and also check that the piston inside the caliper is working properly. Inspect the full thickness of the brake pads and rotors. Brake pads that show excessive wear should be replaced. Rotors that show light wear should be repaired or replaced, and rotors that show excessive wear should be replaced. Lightly scratched brake pads and rotors may mean there is a contaminant, such as dirt, lodged between them. At the very least, clean them or have them cleaned with a brake cleaner. Rotors with deep scratches must be replaced with new ones or repaired. Drum Brake Inspection In drum brake systems, the parts that are designed to wear are:
or brake shoes
or drums
or wheel cylinders
Remove the drum so that you can inspect the interior. Inspect the inside of the drum for damage. Any buildup of brake dust should be removed with a brake cleaner. If there are severe scratches inside the drum, replace both drums. A defective wheel cylinder will leak brake fluid from its sides (where the metal meets the rubber part). Warning: When working on the car’s brake system, do not inhale brake dust. It is recommended that you wear a face mask when working on the brakes.