If you own a vehicle, you are probably aware of the extensive maintenance procedures that must be invested in to keep your car running smoothly. Since purchasing a vehicle such an extensive investment, it is important to regularly maintain your vehicle so that the life of your investment is extended.  While paying for regular maintenance may seem like an annoyance, and many consumers barely have enough money to pay for fuel let alone costly maintenance services, the cost of a repair is usually much more than the preventative measures that can be taken. Maintaining your brakes is one of the most important parts of vehicle maintenance.

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Understanding The Brake System

The brakes on your vehicle are one of the most important components of it. While the ability to accelerate and drive quickly from one place to the other is important, driving would be impossible if your vehicle was not able to stop once you reached your destination. Efficient brakes can help reduce the occurrence of an accident. If a driver in front of you loses control, your brakes can help you to avoid crashing into the vehicle and causing a car pile-up. Without good brakes, you may also be involved in a solo accident if your vehicle does not decelerate the way it is supposed to. If you notice any issue with how the brakes are operating, make sure to bring the vehicle in as soon as possible so we can inspect it.

What are Brake Pads?

Brake pads are specially designed pads that are applied to your wheel well when you step on the brake pedal within the cab. These pads create friction on the surface of the wheel and help to reduce your speed. Without brake pads, the rotors of your brakes would grind horribly on your tires and cause extensive damage to your vehicle. If you use your brakes a lot to decelerate quickly or decelerate on sloped surfaces, you may need to replace your brake pads more often than the average driver. Replacing the brake pads is a relatively inexpensive maintenance procedure that can greatly extend the life of your brakes, while also improving the safety.

The Importance of the Brake Lights

Your vehicle is equipped with several different types of exterior lights that have different functions. The headlights of your vehicle help you to drive safely at night by illuminating dark stretches of road and making you aware of various traffic signs and pedestrians as well as other vehicles. The turn signal lights flash when you are preparing to make a turn. Without these lights, other drivers would not know when your vehicle was preparing to turn. An unexpected turn by a driver can cause a serious accident, which is why failing to signal before a turn is illegal. One of the most important lights on the exterior is the brake light. Brake lights illuminate every time the brake pedal is applied. Brake lights are traditionally red, which is a color that is associated with stopping. These lights alert other drivers that your vehicle is decelerating so that they can also slow down and avoid hitting you. Your brake lights should last for several years, but it is important to check them regularly to ensure that they are functioning.