Brakes are very important safety parts that need to be well maintained. Any fault in the brake may keep you and your vehicle in danger. So, you need to inspect brakes of your vehicles and its parts regularly. In other words, at least twice in a year, the brakes are to be inspected. Regular inspection and the repair of faulty parts will ensure that your vehicle is safe enough to drive. Some of the brake parts that are to be inspected are:
Brake discs
While inspecting the brake discs, make sure that they are shiny. You should also notice the thin grooves in the disc and ensure that they are shallow and regular, all around the way. If you spot any rough patches on the disc or if you notice that the grooves are worn out, then both the discs of the brake needs to be replaced. Replacing both the discs will ensure that they are working evenly on the both sides of the car i.e., this helps in stopping the vehicles wheel evenly.
Brake pads
These pads are thin that press the disc in a disc brake. If this pads are worn out, they damage the underneath of the disc. Brake pads are cheap and can be replaced with the regular inspection if they are damaged. If you notice that brake pads are left with 1/8 inch then they need to be immediately replaced.
Brake shoes
Usually the vehicles with drum brakes have the brake shoes containing a lining. This presses against the drum and helps in stopping the vehicle. During the inspection if you notice the metal of the brake is worn out exposing the brake lining, then this is the indication that the brake shoes need replacement.
Brake fluid
Depending upon the vehicle, specification of the brake fluid vary. In general, brake fluid assists the braking. You should use the right brake fluid for your vehicle and make sure that the brake fluid is at right level and right temperature; otherwise, the brake pads will wear causing damage. If the fluid boils, then the braking becomes difficult. So, you should always make sure that the brake fluid is not below two-third level.
Brake lines
Brake lines are in the form of tubes that carry the brake fluid between the components of the brake. In order to protect the brake lines, these are coated with soft rubber. Underneath of the soft rubber, it has a metal lining all along the way. You need to inspect the brake line for observing, if any section of the rubber coating is cracked or stiff. If it is so, then you need to replace the line; because, the metal line under the line may corrode and will be dangerous if not replaced.
Thickness of the brake rotor
During the regular inspection of the brakes, you should also check the thickness of the brake rotor, which varies from vehicle to vehicle. Take the help of the mechanic to know the correct thickness required for the brake rotor; and if the thickness is not in the specified margin then you need to replace them. Most of the manufacturers suggests a safety margin of 0.3 to 0.6 inch.
