Regular brake maintenance is something that shouldn't be taken lightly. Recognising brake warning signs early can save you not only from unexpected high repair bills but, more importantly, it can ensure your safety on the road. With Australia's roads being as diverse and challenging as they are, from the bustling city streets to the rugged outback, ensuring your brakes are in top condition is paramount. VSD Automobile Engineering in Mulgrave are here to help...

• Unusual Noises
  The first sign that your brakes may need attention is hearing a high-pitched squealing noise when you apply the brakes. This is often the first alert that your brake pads are wearing thin. Modern vehicles are equipped with wear indicators that emit this sound to prompt you to get your brakes checked. Don't wait for this noise to become a regular soundtrack of your commute; it's your car's way of whispering for help.

• Uneven braking - Vehicle pulling
  Another common indicator is your car pulling to one side when you apply the brakes. This could mean that your brake pads are wearing unevenly, or there could be a foreign object in the brake fluid. Consistent, straight stops are the hallmark of healthy brakes, and anything short of that warrants a professional look.

• Brake Pedal Feels Soft Or Spongy
  A soft or spongy brake pedal can also indicate issues, suggesting that air might have entered the brake lines, or there might be a problem with the brake fluid. On the other hand, a pedal that feels unusually hard to press could indicate blockages or other issues within the braking system.

• Vibration or Pulsing under brakes
  Vibrations or pulsations through the brake pedal or steering wheel when you apply the brakes are not to be ignored. Often this can be a sign of warped rotors. Rotors are the discs that your brake pads clamp down on to stop the car. Warped rotors can significantly reduce the effectiveness of your brakes and should be addressed immediately.

• Brake Warning Light Is On
  It might seem a no brainer but don’t overlook the warning light on your dashboard. If it illuminates, it's not just a friendly reminder; it's an urgent call to check your brakes. Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced systems that monitor the health of your brakes, making this light an invaluable tool for identifying potential issues.

Regular brake maintenance isn’t just about replacing worn parts. It’s about ensuring every component of your vehicle's braking system is in optimal condition. This includes the brake fluid, which over time can absorb moisture and degrade, reducing your brake's effectiveness and potentially causing corrosion.

Preventative maintenance is the key to ensuring your vehicle remains a safe mode of transport. Servicing your car at qualified centres, experienced in dealing with all makes and models, guarantees that your vehicle receives the highest level of care, especially concerning critical systems like your brakes.

Understanding the importance of your vehicle’s braking system, and recognising the early warning signs of brake issues, not only contributes to your vehicle's longevity but more importantly, ensures the safety of you, your passengers, and other road users. Keeping a regular maintenance schedule, through trusted service centres, ensures your car remains reliable, responsive, and ready for any adventure you have planned on Australia's roads.

If you have any indications your brakes are not up to scratch don't hesitate. Bring your vehicle into VSD Automobile Engineering in Mulgrave and have our expert technicians make sure you will stop on time - every time...