One of my biggest achievements in life is learning to drive. I’ve come from a background where neither of my parents learnt to drive so it was the bus or walking. I didn’t have any other family nearby either, so I didn’t know anything about driving until I started my driving lessons and I remember them all too well. I remember my arms going stiff from my concentration and leaving the car sweating from nerves! But fast forward 15 years or so and I’m a pro at driving, even if I do say so myself. Car maintenance, however, that’s another thing altogether.
I’m good at keeping up with my MOTs and all that kind of stuff. But when it comes to really specific things like brake pads, I’m sorry to admit it, but I am clueless. Literally clueless. But with two little ones now on board I know it’s really important to make sure the car and especially things like brake pads are in fully working, roadworthy condition. So how can you check that the brakes on your car are good to go, especially before a long journey? Here are three simple and important tips to help you and your family stay safe and stay on top of that all-important maintenance.
Warning lights
Lot’s of cars will now have a warning light when your brake pads are wearing low. There’s a sensor which sets the light off and if this is showing on yours, even if you think its wrong, you should definitely get it checked out as soon as possible. Never ignore your warning lights!
Squeaky Brakes
Fed up of hearing that high pitched squeal as you pull up outside our house? That’s a sign that your brake pads need looking at. It could be something as small as stuck mud, but it could also mean your brake pads aren’t on correctly or have worn down. It’s a good idea to cancel those long journeys until you’ve got your breaks checked.
Stop and Start
Before you head off on any long journey you always check thinks like tyres and water levels, right? So you should do the same with your brakes. Have a little drive around the block. Are your brakes feeling normal? Stopping any slower or do you need to press down a little further. You know what your care feels like and if it feels a little bit different yep, you’ve guessed it. Get the brakes looked at.
I know that any kind of car maintenance is an inconvenience. I feel that to my core after our car recently needed some work doing before its MOT. But, if you need to drive, you need a safe vehicle. It’s a fact. My top tip is to find a company you trust. Somewhere like RepairSmith is always a good contact number to keep in your phone (and in your glove compartment). They offer upfront pricing, (so no hidden extras), online booking, text and phone support, and a service warranty. Plus, the thing I love is that their expert mechanics come to you! So you don’t even have to rush your kids to school and squeeze yourself in before you’re late for work. Finding somewhere like this when you need it most is pretty priceless right?
So whatever you do, make sure your brake pads are checked if you’re in any doubt at all and don’t ignore any warning signs!
*This post is in collaboration with RepairSmith, all views are my own.
