You can't afford to take a break from brake problems

Lead in: Brake issues can not only endanger the vehicle, but also the lives of the driver and the passengers. Brake maintenance should hence be the top priority for you as a car owner. Click here for some tips on maintaining your car's brakes.

India has a dubious record when it comes to road accidents. The Global Status Report on Road Safety, 2009 by the World Health Organisation credits the highest number of road accidents in the world to our country. Although the causes for a road accident vary, brake failure or poorly-maintained brakes is the most common reason for damage or injury related to car accidents.

Losing control at a high speed can be life threatening to you as well as other passengers in the vehicle. Most car maintenance tips hence give utmost importance to brake maintenance. Even experts at an authorised car service centre or local garage pay special attention to brakes while servicing a vehicle.

You can take some proactive steps to prevent brake problems. The following are some general tips to detect brake problems and prevent break downs in your automobile.

• Regularly inspect your car's brake pads for signs of wear and tear. These parts should be replaced at the earliest in case of wear out. Look out for a high-pitched screeching sound, which is a common sign of brake pad problem.
• You car's brake fluid should be filled as per the recommended level in the reservoir. It also needs to be checked regularly for contaminants.
• Tackle the issue of low pedal brakes on a timely basis. In case of a problem in the brake power booster unit, the brake becomes spongy and the brake pedal becomes sticky. To avoid this hindrance, the brake drum needs to be cleaned or replaced.
• If your car has an advanced electronic anti-lock braking system, you need to get it inspected regularly at your car service centre.
• If you notice any puddles underneath your car, take your vehicle to the garage or service centre immediately. It may mean a leak in your braking system, which is dangerous.

The pointers mentioned above are proactive measures on your part to prevent brake problems. Over and above these, get your vehicle's brake system checked by an expert at your car service centre or garage every quarter for regular brake maintenance.

Additionally, watch out for warning signs given below:

• Flash of brake warning lights
• Any major jerk in your vehicle on application of brakes
• Continuous grinding or squealing sound on applying brakes
• Spongy or loose brake pedals
• Metal scraping sound while driving

The maintenance tips mentioned above are specifically meant for brakes and should be kept in mind to prevent brake failures. Also ensure that break inspection is a part of your routine car maintenance activity.

Keeping your vehicle's brake system in top condition is your duty towards your loved ones as a responsible car owner.