How to Adjust the Tightness of Car Brakes?
2 Answers
If you are adjusting the brake pedal travel, there is a nut below the pedal that can be adjusted. If you are adjusting the clearance, the gap between the caliper and the brake disc in most modern cars is automatically adjusted and does not require manual adjustment. Only the handbrake can be adjusted; the foot brake cannot be adjusted. If it feels low, you can try bleeding the air.
Having driven for over 20 years, I deeply understand that brake adjustment is a matter of life and death. When I was younger, I tried to save money by learning car repair and adjusting the brakes myself. That time, I overtightened the drum brake screws, causing overheating and nearly resulting in a rear-end collision. It scared me so much that I've only trusted professional technicians ever since. Adjustment methods: For old-style drum brakes, you can adjust the tightness by turning the screws through the small hole behind the wheel with a tool; disc brakes are automatic, but issues with the hydraulic system or insufficient brake fluid require inspection. Technicians use instruments to precisely balance both sides—doing it yourself can easily lead to uneven wear or brake failure. Poor brake performance may show as abnormal pedal travel or unusual noises, which must be addressed immediately. I get a full vehicle check-up every year, including brake inspection for depth and fluid condition—prevention is always better than repair. The core of safe driving is trusting the experts; life is priceless, so don't risk it to save a few bucks.
