The braking system is one of the most important vehicle safety features. Optimal function is a vital element of car maintenance—something that allows for the safety of the driver, passengers, and pedestrians alike.

When brakes go awry, the complete safety function of a vehicle is compromised. That’s why every car owner and driver needs to ensure great brake maintenance and speedy repairs, should the need arise.

The following discusses the reasons that brake repairs are such a crucial element of car driving and ownership—plus, a warning of the risks if these actions aren’t strictly followed. 

All About Brake Repair

• What would warrant a brake repair?
• Why good brake maintenance reduces the need for brake repair 
• The risks of poor brake maintenance and repair 

What would warrant a brake repair?

The braking system of a car is made up of multiple elements. These include:

• Brake discs or drums
• Brake shoes
• Brake calipers
• Brake lines
• Brake fluid
• The brake pedal
• The parking brake

If any part of the system is damaged, then a repair is needed asap. Brakes can become damaged for a variety of reasons, including:

• Contamination of the braking system, such as oil or grease seeping into the system via a leaky valve.
• A brake fluid leak, causing the system to work sub-optimally or fail completely. Some obvious signs of a leak include a spongy brake pedal or poor braking performance.
• Worn or faulty brake pads or shoes. These wear naturally with use. However, if this is allowed to evolve too far, then the braking ability will become severely compromised. In addition, it can cause permanent damage to the discs, making for a much more expensive repair. 

Why good brake maintenance reduces the need for brake repair

The key to optimal brake performance and low brake repair bills is proactive maintenance. Regular, professional brake checks ensure that all the elements that make up the system are fit for purpose.

This means that the parts that are designed to wear out—brake pads, in particular—are not allowed to wear past their designed level of safety. A brake safety check also ensures that there are no leaks in any of the brake fluid lines or valves that could cause contamination of the entire system. 

The risks of poor brake maintenance and repair

Failure to look after a car’s braking system can have costly results, both in monetary and safety terms.

Poor brake maintenance can mean damage to the more expensive parts of the system becomes more likely. This includes the brake discs or the entire brake fluid system.

It can also lead to poor braking performance. A failure in a car’s stopping ability is dangerous for everyone—you, your passengers, other road users, and everyone in the vicinity.

In such a scenario, even if no one is injured, if you’re proven to be in charge of a faulty vehicle then this can have many negative repercussions:

• Your insurance will refuse to pay for any damages—both to your vehicle and to any third party.
• If an accident is proven to be caused by faulty brakes from poor maintenance, this can impact your driving record. You might be fined and/or have endorsements on your license. Worst-case scenarios can see litigation being levied against you, especially if injury (or worse) to a third party occurs.
• You might be left with costly repair bills to get your car back on the road. You’ll also find it harder to get insurance and, if you can, will have to pay considerably more to do so.

The key takeaway is that good brake maintenance is a must for any vehicle owner. This holds true from both a financial and safety viewpoint. 

Don’t Leave Brake Health to Chance. Contact Autobahn of Boca Today

Issues with a vehicle’s brakes warrant immediate attention. At Autobahn of Boca, brake servicing and repair is a true specialty. Every marque of vehicle has its own nuances, meaning that the best labor can only be carried out by an auto technician who’s trained and qualified through a manufacturer-approved process.

Because we’re European luxury car specialists, such car owners are guaranteed that the service your vehicle receives is from an engineer who’s undergone rigorous industry training. That’s just one of the reasons that many of Florida’s luxury vehicle owners trust us to deliver the best service—every time they visit.