Do your brakes need checking?

There are various things to look out for when maintaining your Mini cars braking system and preventing problems occurring.Normally the brake warning light will give you the heads up if there is something wrong however the following items are things you keep a watch out for.

BRAKE FLUID

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended schedule to flush and replace the brake fluid. This helps maintain the hydraulic system and ensures optimal brake performance. If the fluid is older than 2 years it may not be working efficiently and may need changing. Fluid leaks too will cause a poor braking performance, keep an eye out for fluid on the inside of the wheels and on the ground where you park as this could be caused by worn seals, cracked pipes or a loose connection.

CAR PULLS TO ONE SIDE

If your car pulls to one side when you brake, it could be a sign that your brake pads are worn unevenly, a sticking hydraulic or seized caliber. Your car should drive in a straight line, even when braking so let Corner Garage check your braking system.

METALLIC GRINDING SOUND

A squealing or grinding noise when you apply the brakes is a sign that your brake pads or shoes are worn. This is often caused by metal rubbing against metal. This could also cause damage to the brake disc too.

VIBRATING STEERING WHEEL / BRAKE PEDAL

These vibrations could be an early sign that there are issues with the brake discs.

BRAKE PEDAL UNRESPONSIVE

If the brake feels ‘spongy’ or ‘fades’ to the floor there may be a brake fluid leak resulting in air getting into the system. Equally if you have to pump the brakes to stop the car this could be a sign of a serious issue.

AVOID HEAVY BRAKING

Braking hard and abruptly can cause your brakes to wear out faster. Try to anticipate stops and slow down gradually. Don’t wait until the last minute to break, don’t tailgate and if possible avoid driving in the rush hour which tends to involve stop / start motion.

HAND BRAKE

The handbrake normally pulls up 6 to 8 clicks, if it pulls up higher than usual it might need adjustment.

REGULARLY INSPECT PARTS

Regularly inspect your brake pads, discs and callipers to identify wear before it leads to failure. Remember worn components can affect other parts and can cause other parts of your car to fail prematurely.

LONG JOURNEYS

It is always worth getting your brakes checked prior to going on a long journey.

Remember if you have any concerns at all about your brakes or suspect any of the above could be a problem, Corner Garage is here to give you peace of mind – safety is paramount.

Corner Garage prides itself on bringing you excellent automotive care at affordable prices. Why pay astronomical dealership fees if you don’t have to?