Is Brake Maintenance Necessary?
2 Answers
Yes, it is necessary. The braking system is one of the most critical components of a vehicle and operates in extremely harsh conditions. If this system malfunctions, it can pose a danger at any time. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance of the braking system are essential. Some common issues that may arise with the braking system include: abnormal braking noises, pulling to one side, insufficient braking force, a soft brake pedal, and abnormal brake wear. Here are several methods for maintaining your car's braking system: 1. Use solvent-based cleaners to clean the surfaces of the brake friction components and their cooling channels. Avoid cleaners containing lubricating ingredients to prevent damage to rubber parts. 2. Apply high-temperature-resistant (above 600°C) and impact-resistant lubricants to the moving parts of the brake friction components. This helps with lubrication, auxiliary heat dissipation, and filling, preventing uneven wear. Avoid using lubricants like grease that cannot withstand high temperatures, as they may have adverse effects once burned off. 3. Apply high-temperature-resistant (above 600°C) and impact-resistant lubricants to the backside of the brake friction components, such as noise-damping shims, to eliminate brake squealing. 4. Use high-temperature-resistant (above 120°C) lubricants on the brake caliper guide pins to ensure proper brake response time. Avoid using lubricants like grease that cannot withstand high temperatures.
I've been driving for over a decade, and I truly believe brake maintenance is something you can't afford to skip. Once on a rainy highway, I almost rear-ended someone, and later found deep grooves worn into the brake discs during inspection. Now I make it a rule to get a comprehensive check every two years. The focus is on brake pad thickness, lubricating guide pins, and replacing brake fluid. Brake pads must be replaced if they're under 4mm, and brake fluid absorbs moisture which lowers its boiling point and compromises safety. If you do a lot of mountain driving, inspections should be even more frequent. Crunch the numbers—a few hundred bucks for maintenance is nothing compared to medical bills after an accident. A friend of mine skimped on this, ignored the screeching noise when turning, and ended up with seized calipers, costing over 3,000 to fix.