How to Check Your Car's Brake System

The brakes are the most important safety feature on your car. If they fail, you could be in big trouble. A car's braking system is made up of many components that need to be in good working order. In this guide, We'll show you how to check them all using common tools found around the house.

Check the Brake Fluid

The first thing you want to do is check the brake fluid level. This is done by looking at the container that contains your vehicle’s brake fluid. Once you have located it, make note of its current condition and look for any signs of leakage or contamination in the area around this container. If you notice either one of these things occurring, then it may be time for a new reservoir and/or repair work.

If everything appears fine with your car’s braking system after checking its reservoir, then move on to the next step.

Check the Brake Lines

You may have noticed that your car has a lot of tubes running between the brake pedal and the calipers. These pipes are what connect your foot to your tires, and they can be made of rubber or steel. The best way to test them is by giving them a good visual inspection every year. If you see anything out of the ordinary—such as cracks, leaks, or bubbles in the material—your brake lines need replacing immediately.

There are two other tests you can do on your own:

• Pressurized test: With an assistant holding down on the brake pedal while you pressurize the lines with compressed air (from a compressor), check for any air leaks around fittings or connections in each line. If there are none visible from outside without removing any caps, this means that all internal fittings and connections must be checked as well before concluding whether or not replacement is necessary.* Stethoscope test: This method requires using an old stethoscope with built-in microphones so that you can hear clearly through walls or doors into areas where sound would normally travel poorly due to their construction materials like metal vs glass etc..

Check Your Brake Pads

• Check the thickness of your brake pads. To do this, simply look at them and measure their height with a ruler. If you see that they're too thin (less than 5/32”), you'll need to replace them.

• Also check for wear indicators on your brake calipers, which will indicate when it's time for new pads. If there are any exposed metal parts or if there's a hole in the disc (the part that presses against your tire), then this means that it's time to replace your brakes!

Check the Rotors

The rotors are the parts of your car that the brake pads rub against. They're usually made of metal, but some cars have them made from ceramic discs. Rotors can become warped and cracked, or they may be damaged by hitting a curb.

If your rotors look okay, you can try to resurface them yourself. If you find that your rotors need replacing instead of fixing, take them to a mechanic for repair or replacement (this might cost more than it's worth).

Look at the Calipers

• Check for leaks.

• Look for broken or missing brake lines.

• Check for rust.

• Inspect the calipers and other parts that are connected to the brakes, such as brackets and clips. If you see any damage, then it’s time to replace those parts before they cause problems with your braking system in the future. You can also check if there is wear on these parts by pushing on them lightly with your hand—if you feel resistance or hear a clicking sound, then it’s time to replace them as well.

Make Sure the Brake Pedal is Firm and Responsive

Make sure the brake pedal is firm and responsive. The pedal should not be soft or spongy, and it shouldn't feel too hard either. A car with a faulty brake system may exhibit a soft, spongy pedal that requires excessive force to push down—or it might have a hard, unresponsive pedal that doesn't sink when you press on it at all. Neither of these conditions should be present in your car's brake system; if they are, you'll need to take your vehicle into a shop for diagnosis as soon as possible before any damage occurs to your braking mechanism.

If You Have a Car You Have to Have Brakes

If you have a car, then it has brakes. They're one of the most important parts of your vehicle, as they keep you from crashing into things. If your brakes are not working properly, they could lead to an accident—or worse! That's why it's essential that you know how to check them regularly and make sure everything is in good shape.

We hope this article will help you check your car's brake system. If your brakes aren't working, it could be a serious problem that could cost thousands of dollars to fix. So if you're looking for an affordable way to keep your car safe and running smoothly, call Mobile Brake Repair. We'll come to you and service your car's brakes and rotors right at your home, office, or wherever you are.