Vehicle repairs can be expensive, but knowing when to perform certain repairs can help save money. This is especially true for brake repairs. Timely repairs of your cars brake system can prevent expensive repairs if they are performed at the right time. Of all the sub-systems that make up your car mechanical systems the braking system is the most critical. A good working brake system can make a great deal of difference when it comes to the safe operation of a vehicle.

As a responsible vehicle owner, you should either have the brakes checked often or you should check them yourself, even when there are no obvious danger signs. Most car owners tend to forget about the need for frequent brake inspection until it is too late and the cost is a great deal more to make the repairs than necessary. Here is basic information on your car brake system and some tips that can help keep your brakes healthy and in good working condition.

Brake pad replacement is one of the most common brake repair issues. Many car owners perform this DIY brake repair task in their garage. Changing the brake pads is not a difficult task and only takes about an hour.

How your brakes system works:

The brake pads are made of a wearable ceramic material and placed on the calipers to create friction with the brake rotors when the breaks are applied. This friction created by the brake pads against the rotors then slows the momentum of the wheels, eventually stopping the vehicle.

This process is most efficient when the brake pads are fairly new because they can easily create more friction with the rotors then when they are older and worn. This process of creating friction and slowing down the car will become a little more difficult as the pads begin to wear. Typically, this is noticeable in the everyday operation of the vehicle because it may take longer for the vehicle to stop or it might take extra pressure on the pedal to stop.

Brake pads have a metal indicator tab that will rub against the rotors once the pads have become too thin and need changing. When the metal tab contacts the rotor they create an obvious squealing sound that can be heard inside and outside the car. This squealing sound is the first warning sign that the vehicle brake pads need replacement. Ideally it is best to replace the pads just before the metal indicator contacts the rotor.

When the metal tab contacts the rotor the tab can warp and scratch the rotors beyond repair. As a result, a repair that may only cost about $100 can easily cost five times that amount if the rotors are distorted and need replacement. Depending upon how you drive, the brake pads will last about 25,000 miles so this type of repair is infrequent.

Most vehicle owners are not car maintenance experts, but they can perform DIY brake repairs. Car owners can perform a visual brake inspection to determine how worn the brake pads are with the use of a flashlight. Look at the inside of the wheel where the brake caliper is mounted and determine how worn the brake pads are by checking the distance the metal indicator is from the rotor. The pads should be changed when the indicator is within 1/8 of an inch from the rotor.

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