Brake inspections are one of the essential items to include in your proactive car maintenance checklist. These vehicle inspections help to keep tabs on the condition of the brakes on your car, allowing you to address issues that may compromise your ability to slow down or stop the vehicle while driving. 

A brake inspection can reveal multiple issues with your braking system. Below are some common problems that you may discover when you get the inspection done.

Your Brake Fluid Is Dirty And Contaminated

The brakes on many modern cars require hydraulic fluid (called brake fluid) to work. Brake fluid transfers and amplifies the force applied at the brake pedal to the rest of your braking system, allowing you to decelerate or halt your vehicle.

During a brake inspection, you may discover that your brake fluid is dirty. Brake fluid usually gets dirty when moisture and foreign particles infiltrate the brake lines. Contaminated brake fluid can cause brake malfunction if not drained and replaced with fresh brake fluid.

If air infiltrates your brakes, the brakes will require bleeding to remove the trapped air.

Your Brakes Have Leaks

Your brake lines and hoses also get checked during a brake inspection. If they show cracks and heat damage, they may require replacements. If not replaced, cracked or damaged brake lines and hoses will cause brake fluid leaks, which reduce your braking ability.  

Your Brake Pads Are Worn

When you apply the brakes, the brake pads apply pressure and friction to the brake rotors attached to your wheels, slowing down or halting the vehicle. The constant pressure and friction eventually take a toll on the pads, causing them to become worn. When this happens, your vehicle will lose its braking power.

If you hear screeching, squeaking, squealing, or grinding noises every time you apply the brakes, this could indicate that your brake pads are worn and require replacement. For example, a metallic grinding noise may reveal that worn pads are causing backing plates to make contact with the rotor or drum.

When it comes to car maintenance, it pays to be proactive. Proactive car maintenance is an auto maintenance strategy that aims to find and correct the underlying sources of vehicle failure before it is too late. The primary goal of this kind of vehicle maintenance is to reduce the chance of disastrous breakdowns and avoid expensive repairs down the road. 

Have a trusted car mechanic inspect your brakes proactively to ensure the safety of your vehicle at all times. For more information, contact a local company, like Escondido Auto Tech.