The brake system is one of the most important parts on a car, directly affecting vehicle control and operation safety. However, many car owners only care about this system when noise appears, the car brakes poorly, or it is time to replace the brake pads.
According to advice from the Ninety Eight Auto Auto Repair, Maintenance and Care Center (Cat Lai ward, Ho Chi Minh City), periodic inspection and cleaning of the brake cluster when necessary, depending on usage conditions as well as manufacturer recommendations, is an important task.
During operation, the brake cluster frequently comes into contact with dirt from the road surface, water, moisture and many other impurities.
When brakes are in action, the brake pad presses against the brake disc to create friction, helping to reduce speed or stop the car. This process also creates dust from the friction material of the brake pad. Brake dust combined with dirt, water and moisture can accumulate in the brake caliper area, contact position of the brake pad and related details.
If the car is not checked for a long time, dust and moisture can contribute to some metal details being corroded or affecting the movement of the parts. For systems using sliding brake calipers, guide pins need to be checked to ensure normal operation. Accumulated dirt or degraded lubricant can make this part work less efficiently.
This is why car owners should not just rely on whether the car makes noise or not to assess the condition of the braking system. Some problems may occur silently for a long time before clear signs appear.
During maintenance, technicians can remove the wheels to check the wear of the brake pads, the condition of the brake discs, brake calipers and related details. Dust cleaning needs to be done with methods and solutions suitable for each part.
In particular, oil and grease should not stick to the friction surface of the brake pads and brake discs because it can reduce braking efficiency. Lubricants should only be used in the correct type, in the correct position and according to technical instructions. Car owners should not arbitrarily spray chemicals or apply grease to the brake cluster when they do not clearly understand the structure.
In addition to the brake pads and brake discs, it is necessary to check the guide pins, dust-covering rubber, brake oil pipes and leakage marks. For vehicles using drum brakes on the rear wheel, periodic inspection also needs to be carried out according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
The frequency of inspection depends on the operating distance and usage conditions. Vehicles that regularly run in dusty, wet environments, have passed through flooded areas or frequently have to brake in urban areas may need to be inspected sooner.
When abnormal noises appear, the vehicle deviates when braking, pedals or steering wheels vibrate when braking, the pedal feel changes or braking efficiency decreases, vehicle owners should take the vehicle to a repair facility for inspection.
Proper maintenance helps detect degraded details early, contributing to maintaining braking efficiency and ensuring safety when using the car.
