Efficient brakes and safe driving
Summer is not only in Poland, by far the busiest time of the year on the roads. An efficient braking system plays an extremely important role during holiday trips.
Simple math shows that the chance of a collision increases with traffic. At such moments, not only the reaction of the driver is important, but also the technical condition of the car. The main element that increases our safety is the braking system. Even the slightest neglect on our part, hitherto underestimated, can make a huge difference.
For most of us, the car is the main means of transportation, but during the year we use it most often for short distances, mainly in the city. It is true that pedestrian crossings, traffic lights or traffic jams force us to brake often, but this happens at low speeds. We cover distances between cities on roads with smoother traffic, but with higher speed limits. Therefore, each braking requires the application of more force, not so much by the driver, but by the hydraulics of the system. Essentially, this means more than usual friction between the disc and the brake pad. How they cope with this depends mainly on the degree of wear and tear and the materials from which they are made.
“With every braking, the interacting elements wear together. That is why they are subject to gradual wear, but it is impossible to determine exactly the time after which they should be replaced,” says Miroslav Przymuszala, Textar brand representative in Poland.
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Family travel during the holidays is distinguished by another very important feature. The car is loaded with both additional passengers and luggage, including additional roof racks or bike racks. When the vehicle is heavier than normal, the braking force also increases. The stress on the components of the brake system can also be created when driving on roads with different terrain, such as in the mountains.
The reason for assessing the condition of the discs and pads should be the seasonal replacement of tires. However, wear and tear can occur at any time of the year and not all vehicles are equipped with the appropriate sensors. Therefore, each driver must be able to independently recognize the first symptoms of a breakdown. As a rule, these will be clearly audible squeaks when braking, pulling the car to the side, or noticeable vibrations on the brake pedal. However, to be sure, before going on vacation, it is worth visiting a workshop, because only after dismantling the wheel can you check if the thickness of the brake discs or friction linings of the pads has dropped below the permissible minimum.
“If there are any signs of a malfunction in the brake system, a mechanic should be consulted as soon as possible. But a preventive visit to the garage, including checking the brake system, should be on the to-do list before going on vacation,” adds Miroslav Pshimushala. “If we need to replace them, we should not focus only on price, because such visible savings can affect our safety and the safety of our loved ones.”
