Did You Know? - 4 Tips to Keep Your Car Brakes in Good Condition

Car brakes are an important component that functions to control the vehicle’s speed. Properly maintained brakes can help improve safety while driving. Therefore, it is important for vehicle owners to perform regular brake maintenance to detect potential issues early and keep brake performance in good condition. In addition to enhancing safety, proper brake maintenance can also help extend your vehicle's lifespan.

Some Car Brake Maintenance Tips

1. Clean the Brake Discs & Pads. The main components of your car’s braking system are the brake discs and pads. These parts constantly rub against road dust and other particles. The simplest maintenance you can do to keep them durable is to clean off dirt that can reduce braking effectiveness. Both the brake pads and discs must be checked and kept clean, especially after driving on dusty roads or through puddles.
2. Regularly Replace Brake Fluid. To ensure durability, brake components must be well-lubricated. One essential maintenance step is checking the condition of the brake fluid, both its quality and quantity. Make sure the brake fluid reservoir is free from air contamination, which can create bubbles and reduce braking effectiveness. It is recommended to replace the brake fluid every 20,000 km. Replace it immediately if the brake fluid starts to darken in color or if its quality begins to deteriorate. Also, pay attention to the lifespan of the brake fluid, replace it with new fluid when its quality declines so it can continue to perform optimally and properly lubricate brake components.
3. Resurface the Brake Disc. As your vehicle is used more frequently, the brake pads will wear thinner and may produce a squeaking noise during use. To address this, you can perform maintenance by sanding or resurfacing the brake pads or discs to keep the surface even. However, first check the physical condition of the pads to ensure they are still suitable for this treatment. Avoid resurfacing if the pads are already too thin, as this can cause cracks or damage to the brake discs.
4. Check the Caliper. The caliper is the part of the brake system that presses the brake pads against the rotor, slowing down the vehicle. This component rarely gets damaged, but factors such as lack of lubrication can reduce its performance. Problems with the caliper may cause symptoms like uneven or jerky braking.

By performing regular brake maintenance, you not only help keep your vehicle performing optimally, but also enhance comfort and safety while driving. 

Hopefully, the explanation above helps you understand how to maintain your car brakes to keep them durable and functioning optimally. For more information about MSIG Indonesia insurance products, please visit our official website at www.msig.co.id or contact the service center at 1500 674 (MSI) for comprehensive information and interactive services.