Brakes

Regular servicing

Regular servicing will help to ensure your brakes work properly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on service intervals. Unless you’re a skilled mechanic, leave brake checking, adjustment and replacement of brake pads and shoes to your garage.

If you’re in any doubt about your vehicle’s brakes, don’t use the vehicle. Have it checked immediately.

Warning lights

Most vehicles are equipped with a warning signal to indicate certain faults within the braking system. If the red warning signal shows, consult your vehicle handbook or obtain guidance from a mechanic. Driving the vehicle with faulty brakes could be dangerous and may be illegal.

Anti-lock braking systems

If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS), there will also be a warning light for that system to indicate a fault. If this light comes on, have the system checked immediately. Consult your vehicle handbook or your garage before driving the vehicle. Only if it’s safe, drive carefully to the nearest garage.

Footbrake

Note any variations in braking efficiency. If the brakes feel spongy or slack, have them checked by a qualified mechanic. They’re too important to be ignored.

Testing your brakes

Test the brakes every day as you set out. Choose a safe spot on the road.

If you hear any strange noises, or if the vehicle pulls to one side, consult your garage immediately.

Check the brake-fluid level regularly, but don’t overfill. Look for the high/low markings on the reservoir. Make sure the brake-fluid reservoir is kept topped up. If the brake-fluid level is allowed to get too low, air will enter the system, causing reduced brake efficiency. If the cause of the low fluid level is a leak, it could lead to complete brake failure.

Parking brake

Check for excessive wear on the parking brake in the following way.

When applying the brake, ensure that there’s no excessive travel of the brake lever and that the lever locks securely. The parking brake must prevent the vehicle from moving.

Have the parking brake checked if

• the amount of travel is above the limit specified in the vehicle handbook
• the vehicle can roll on a gradient when the parking brake is fully set.