Owning and driving a car is really awesome but maintaining the car is another story. Because auto maintenance and repair may be costly if the damage is intensive. But there are ways to minimize the cost when the damages are anticipated to some extent. And one of the most important aspects of auto care is the maintenance of the brake system. A poorly maintained auto brakes might be the cause of a dangerous collision, leading to an untimely death.

Here’s how you can be the best buddy to your brakes -

1. Always check the important car components, particularly the brakes.

Before going on a vacation, running an errand, attending business meetings, or simply going for a drive around the city, one must make it into a habit to check essential auto parts that may be the source of any irreversible accident, the braking system in particular.

2. Be sensitive for any unusual sound, noise or feel you might notice while driving.

Being observant to something that might be happening while driving is greatly helpful to early detect possible malfunctioning of the car components, this is called "preventive maintenance". This will be helpful to minimize the extent of the damage.

Here are the possible observations:

• A jagged feel from your brake pedal suggests that it’s time for a brake pedal replacement.

• A crushing sound or feel while braking is also for brake pedal replacement.

• The car travels too far before coming to a stop, this means that the brakes need adjustment or the brake linings must be replaced.

• The brake pedal pulsate up and down upon stopping, this suggests that the front brake rotors need to be replaced.

• The car pulls to one side when braking; a stuck caliper causes the problem and needs to be checked.

• The brakes squeal when stopping fairly short; squealing occurs when the brake linings are worn out or needs replacement.

• The car bounces up and down when stopping short; shock absorbers may need to be replaced.

3. Have the damaged brakes repaired immediately.

How to Repair Auto Brakes:

A. Parts of the Brake System

• brake pads – the parts that get in touch with the brake rotors during braking

• brake rotors – should be even and smooth

• brake caliper

B. Materials Needed for repair

• Brake pads

• Brake fluid

• Brake bleed kit

• Brake grease

• Brake spray cleaner

• Caliper

• C-clamp (or vise-grip piers)

• Clean towel

• Drip pan

• Jack stands

• Lifting jack

• Rotor

• Tire iron

• Wrench

C. Follow these steps -

1. Find a place conducive for repair, one that is away from the public and traffic. Using the tire iron, loosen the lug nuts of all the wheels. Place the jack beneath the car’s chassis and lift the car. Position the car lower on the jack stands for support during the repair.

2. Take away the wheels and the lug nuts from the car. Next is to get rid of the two caliper bolts by using wrench. The caliper bolts are found on the caliper’s side, nearest to the car frame.

3. Haul the rotor from the bolts of the wheel. The rotor can easily be removed if there’s no rust binding it to the steering knuckle, else remove the rust first with a hammer.

4. Detach the brake lining from the caliper with a wrench. Put the drip pan under the brake lining for any fluid spill. Clean the wheel bolts from rust with a wire brush.

5. Attach the brake lining to the new caliper, placing it over the intake nozzle located near the bottom caliper bolt. Tighten the brake lining by using a wrench and glide the brake pads on the walls of the new caliper. Check the brake pads if it’s positioned facing each other and the curve should mirror the caliper curve, installation is then successful.

6. Prepare the rotor and spray it with brake cleaner. Finish cleaning by drying the rotor with a clean towel. Glide the rotor on the wheel bolts; ensuring that the rotor’s top hat part (convex spot at the middle) faces outward.

7. Install the new caliper with the new brake pads (refer to step 5) back on the rotor. Using a wrench, fasten the caliper bolts.

8. Put the wheels back on the wheel bolts and fasten the lug nuts. Use the lifting jack to lift the car and take away the jack to lower the car to the ground. Lock the lug nuts using the tire iron.

9. Test the brake by pressing the pedal brake three times and holding it down on the third depression. Release the hold of the brake pedal after ten seconds.

10. Open the car’s hood to locate the master cylinder for a brake fluid refill.

Deferring repair is never a wise decision. Always remember the famous quote, "a pound of prevention is worth a pound of cure". So, never compromise your and your loved ones safety!