Brakes Are the Most Important Safety System of Your Vehicle

By Karen Johnston April 23, 2020

Quick facts

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and reduces stopping power.
Brake inspections should occur every six months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Uneven pad wear can indicate a sticking caliper or improper brake hardware.
All brake system components must function together to achieve 100% braking effectiveness.

Most Important Safety System

The brake system represents your vehicle's most critical safety feature. The capacity to decelerate or stop instantly helps prevent accidents and incidents. Malfunctioning brakes cannot perform their intended function effectively, particularly during emergency stopping situations.

Regular Brake Inspection

Periodic brake system checks are essential. Technicians should conduct test drives to evaluate brake performance. A comprehensive visual inspection includes:

Measuring pad and shoe thickness
Checking for even wear of brake pads and shoes
Inspecting rotors for run out and hot spots
Verifying hardware functions and proper adjustment
Examining wheel cylinders, brake lines, hoses, and master cylinder for leaks
Checking calipers for wear, movement, and fluid leaks
Assessing brake fluid level and condition
Verifying proper sensor routing and placement

All components must function properly to achieve full brake system effectiveness. Brake fluid degrades over time through moisture and copper absorption, reducing hydraulic responsiveness and braking power.

Check Brakes Every 6 Months or 6,000 Miles

Inspections should occur with each oil change or minimally every six months or 6,000 miles. Any identified issues require immediate repair to maintain 100% brake effectiveness and ensure safety for all drivers.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions

What causes brakes to pull to one side when stopping?

Brake pull is most often caused by a seized or sticking caliper on one side that applies more braking force than the other. It can also result from uneven rotor wear, a collapsed brake hose restricting fluid flow, or contaminated brake pads on one wheel. The issue should be diagnosed promptly because asymmetric braking increases stopping distances and can cause handling instability in emergency situations.

How do I know when brake rotors need to be replaced rather than resurfaced?

Rotors have a minimum thickness specification stamped into them. Once they wear below that threshold through normal use or machining, they must be replaced, not resurfaced. Thin rotors flex more under braking pressure, which increases stopping distances and creates heat that can warp the rotor surface. Hot spots, deep grooves, and lateral runout that causes a pulsating pedal are also indicators that replacement is the better repair.

Why does the brake pedal feel soft or spongy?

A soft or spongy pedal usually means air has entered the hydraulic brake lines, or that brake fluid moisture content has become high enough to allow localized boiling under heavy braking. It can also indicate a failing master cylinder that is not maintaining proper hydraulic pressure. Any change in pedal feel warrants immediate inspection, because the brake system is the one place where delayed maintenance directly risks lives.

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