“Girls Who Like Cars are not Weird – They’re a Rare Gift from God.” – Unknown
These days women everywhere are empowered and tend to have a knack for managing almost anything – even brake inspection – however, when it comes to an automobile most of them find themselves confused and bewildered which can more or less leave them and their vehicle in a sticky position at some point.
Understanding the components of a vehicle and how they function or when and how vehicle maintenance should be conducted are some of the main issues females face with vehicles.
Come on ladies, you don’t want to be driving your car at night only to be stalled or worse injured because of neglected vehicle maintenance or repair.
So, in an effort to help educate female vehicle owners about what’s expected to keep vehicles in good condition, this article aims to outline the significance of brake inspection as part of vehicle maintenance since it’s extremely important for personal safety and the safety of others.
How to Tell When Brake Inspection is Needed
Hearing an unusual noise when you press brakes? Or maybe your car takes a while to stop long after you go for brakes? If so, you don’t have to be a mechanic to know that brake inspection is required.
Brakes are important for so many reasons that it’s just plain reckless not to get brake inspection conducted regularly. Despite this, some people may not necessarily know when is the best time to conduct brake inspection.
Well, here are a few instances which indicate when brake inspection is required for a vehicle.
- When vehicles reach the 20,000 kilometers mark or haven’t had brake inspection or replacement in over a year.
- A vehicle is near to or past the manufacturer’s recommended mileage between brake fluid exchanges.
- You see the brake warning light, light up on the dashboard.
- You experience a squealing or grinding noise when you press brakes.
- Your vehicle takes a long time to stop after applying brakes.
- If your brake pedal has no pressure and goes right to the floor when pressed.
Ladies Here’s What You Should Be Inspecting
The Brake Pads – Most times when brake pads are worn out and not replaced, they can damage the discs situated underneath them, which is why it is of the utmost importance to have them checked regularly. Usually not very expensive, brake pads should be changed immediately when worn as they can cost you a whole lot more if you don’t.
The Brake Shoes – Vehicles carrying drum brakes will most likely have brake shoes. A brake shoe functions to carry the brake lining which presses against the drum, so the vehicle can stop. Therefore as part of your brake inspection check to see if the metal on your brake shoe has worn down, exposing the lining. If so you may hear a grinding noise when applying brakes as the shoes are going metal-to-metal with the inside of the drums. Brake shoes should be replaced if they are worn more than halfway.
The Brake Discs – When checking brake discs this is usually to ensure that they aren’t damaged. This is determined by inspecting the thin grooves in the discs all the way around to make sure they have a consistent, shallow, pattern. If it is that your brake discs need to be replaced, it would be best to change both of them together – even if only one is damaged. This will ensure that brakes on both sides of the vehicle work evenly.
Brake Lines – Bottom line is that brake lines should always be protected, and since they’re coated with a soft rubber it’s easy for them to become cracked, stiff or damaged over time. This is why it’s important to have them inspected often as part of brake inspection and if required have them replaced immediately to avoid any further issues.
Brake Fluid – Checking your vehicle’s brake fluid stands to be one of the most important aspects of brake inspection. This not only consists of fluid level checks but also to ensure that you’re using the correct brake fluid and that the brake fluid is at the right temperature since boiling brake fluid can cause serious damage to your braking system. You should also be sure to remember not to let your vehicle’s brake fluid drop to less than 2/3rd full.
If your vehicle is showing signs of brake problems or you just want to find a reputable auto shop to come in to get a brake inspection done, feel free to contact us at All Round Auto Repair. To book your appointment call us at 707-837-0646 or you can visit our website: allroundautorepair.com for more information. Once we complete your brake inspection we’ll diagnose any problems and provide an estimate for repairs if necessary. This should make things a whole lot easier and convenient for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is regular brake inspection important for women drivers?
Regular brake inspection is crucial for every driver, especially women who may not always feel confident with vehicle maintenance. Keeping your brakes in good condition ensures both your safety and the safety of others on the road. Brake wear can lead to longer stopping distances, making your vehicle less responsive when you need it most. Neglecting brake maintenance could leave you stranded or even cause a serious accident. A good brake inspection involves checking the brake pads, discs, and fluid levels, helping avoid costly repairs down the line.
2. What are the warning signs that my car needs a brake inspection?
If you hear squealing or grinding noises when applying the brakes, that’s a clear sign you need a brake inspection. Other red flags include a “spongy” brake pedal, the car pulling to one side when braking, or the brake warning light illuminating on your dashboard. You don’t need to be a mechanic to recognize these signs—they’re your car’s way of telling you that something’s off and needs attention ASAP.
3. How often should women drivers get a brake inspection?
Ideally, a brake inspection should be done every 20,000 kilometers or once a year—whichever comes first. However, if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as strange noises or delayed braking, don’t wait! It’s better to be proactive about your vehicle’s maintenance than reactive, especially when your brakes are involved. Make sure to check your vehicle’s manual for manufacturer-recommended brake maintenance intervals as well.
4. Can worn brake pads affect other parts of the vehicle?
Yes, worn brake pads can cause severe damage to other parts of your vehicle. For example, if brake pads aren’t replaced when needed, they can wear down the brake discs beneath them, leading to more expensive repairs. Worse yet, ignoring worn brake pads could compromise your car’s overall stopping ability, making driving risky. Brake pads are relatively inexpensive, but replacing brake discs? That’s going to cost a lot more.
5. What’s the difference between brake pads and brake shoes?
Brake pads are commonly found in vehicles with disc brakes, while brake shoes are used in drum brakes. The main function of brake pads is to apply pressure to the brake discs to stop your car. Brake shoes, on the other hand, press against the inside of the drum. Both components play a vital role in braking, and both should be inspected regularly for wear and tear to ensure your vehicle’s safety.
6. Why should I replace both brake discs if only one is damaged?
Even though only one brake disc may be damaged, it’s best practice to replace both at the same time. This ensures that your brakes wear evenly and perform consistently. Uneven wear can lead to uneven braking, which could cause your vehicle to pull to one side when you hit the brakes—making it harder to control. Consistent braking is key to maintaining safety, especially in emergency situations.
7. What can happen if I ignore a cracked brake line?
A cracked brake line can lead to brake fluid leakage, which will eventually cause brake failure. Since brake fluid is what allows your brakes to function, any loss in pressure can make it much harder—or even impossible—to stop your vehicle. If your brake line is cracked or damaged, it needs to be replaced immediately to avoid catastrophic failure. It’s one of those “small issues” that can become a major safety hazard if not addressed.
8. How often should I change my brake fluid?
You should change your brake fluid approximately every two years or 40,000 kilometers, depending on your vehicle’s specific requirements. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture, which reduces its effectiveness. When brake fluid becomes too contaminated, it can cause corrosion within your braking system and lead to brake failure. Regularly changing your brake fluid keeps your braking system in peak condition.
9. Can boiling brake fluid cause my brakes to fail?
Yes, boiling brake fluid can cause brake failure. When brake fluid reaches its boiling point, air bubbles form within the system, leading to brake fade or a complete loss of braking ability. This is more likely to happen during hard braking, especially in extreme driving conditions. Keeping your brake fluid levels in check and ensuring you’re using the correct type of fluid can prevent this dangerous issue.
10. How can women drivers learn more about vehicle maintenance, including brake inspections?
Many local auto repair shops offer workshops or classes designed to teach basic vehicle maintenance, including brake inspections. Additionally, online resources like YouTube tutorials or blogs are great for getting step-by-step instructions. Being informed and proactive with your car maintenance doesn’t just save you money—it also keeps you safer on the road. Plus, it feels empowering to know exactly what’s going on under the hood!
