Does a car need brake maintenance?
4 Answers
Under normal circumstances, a car does require brake maintenance. Braking, also known as deceleration, refers to the action of stopping or reducing the speed of a running locomotive, vehicle, or other transportation tools or machinery. The purpose of braking is to slow down and stop the vehicle, and its principle involves the energy conversion process of transforming the vehicle's kinetic energy into thermal energy through friction. Maintenance intervals for the braking system: approximately 30,000 kilometers for disc front wheels, around 60,000 kilometers for disc rear wheels, and about 100,000 kilometers for drum brakes. The braking system is crucial for safety, and the replacement cycle is only a rough reference. The key factor is the thickness, and early inspection is the safest approach. Brake fluid should be replaced after approximately 60,000 kilometers of driving. The necessity of brake maintenance: Brake fluid has strong water absorption properties. After one year of a new car's operation, the brake fluid absorbs about 2% water, and the water content can reach 3% after 18 months. This amount of water is sufficient to lower the boiling point of the brake fluid by 25%. The lower the boiling point of the brake fluid, the more prone it is to forming bubbles, leading to vapor lock, which can cause brake failure or even complete loss of function. Additionally, the braking system is highly affected by the working environment. Once problems arise, the car can become extremely dangerous and uncontrollable. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the surface attachments and sludge from the braking system, enhance the lubrication of the wheel cylinders and guide pins, and eliminate abnormal brake noises to ensure driving safety.
As a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience, brake maintenance is absolutely essential. I remember during a long-distance trip when the brakes suddenly made a screeching noise and the pedal became spongy, almost causing me to rear-end a truck ahead. Upon inspection, I found the brake pads were worn down to a thin layer and the brake fluid had turned black, all due to accumulated dirt. Since then, I've strictly adhered to professional maintenance every year or every 20,000 kilometers, which costs around 100 yuan. The technician thoroughly cleans the entire brake system, checks the wear on pads and discs, and replenishes new fluid or replaces parts if necessary. This not only extends the brake's lifespan and prevents sudden failures but also ensures responsive braking during emergency stops, safeguarding my driving safety. Neglecting maintenance can lead to serious accidents or costly repairs, so developing a habit of regular checks is a wise move—especially for frequent drivers like us. Being able to hit the road with peace of mind is the best investment.
As a car enthusiast who often tinkers with aftermarket parts, I consider brake maintenance extremely important. A good braking system directly impacts driving experience and handling pleasure. Worn brake pads reduce stopping efficiency, while aged or moisture-absorbed brake fluid leads to decreased braking power or even failure. I perform monthly DIY inspections to check pad thickness and fluid levels, replacing them when thin. Professional brake fluid replacement is mandatory every two years. For performance cars or mountain driving, I maintain more frequently to ensure optimal performance. The entire process is affordable, costing about 80-90 yuan each time, preventing major issues like rotor warping or caliper failure. Long-term neglect increases noise and doubles repair costs, whereas regular maintenance saves money and hassle. The key takeaway: Consistent minor upkeep prevents major troubles, whether you're an enthusiast or average driver.
As a new driver with just over a year of experience, I deeply understand the critical importance of brake maintenance. My instructor repeatedly emphasized that it's a matter of life and death, so I always inspect the brake system during routine maintenance, simply checking fluid levels and pad thickness. Worn brakes lead to degraded performance, and good brakes are especially crucial for frequent emergency stops in city driving. I check them every six months or 8,000 kilometers, addressing any soft pedal feel or unusual noises immediately. This small investment costs under 50 yuan, preventing potential major repairs costing thousands or accident risks. Developing maintenance habits safeguards safety.
