If tires represent contact with the road and lights provide visibility, brakes are the most critical safety system in your car.
During the summer, this critical component is subjected to special stresses that require our utmost attention. High ambient temperatures, longer-than-usual trips, the additional weight of luggage and passengers, and possible mountain descents put the entire braking system to the test.
Why brakes are even more important in summer
Summer brings with it driving conditions that place greater stress on the braking system. The high temperatures of the asphalt and surrounding air add to the heat generated by friction during braking, creating extreme thermal conditions. When brakes become excessively hot, “fading,” or the loss of braking effectiveness due to overheating brake fluid or pads, can occur.
During summer travel, moreover, the car is often loaded to its maximum capacity: passengers, luggage, and vacation equipment add considerably to the weight of the vehicle. A heavier car requires longer braking distances and puts more strain on the braking system. If we add to this the possible mountain descents, typical of routes to tourist resorts, we understand how crucial it is to have perfectly efficient brakes.
Signs that indicate problems
Your brake system is constantly communicating with you through several signals that it is important to be able to recognize. The first and most obvious is noise: if you hear squeaking, screeching or metallic noises when you brake, it could be a sign that the pads are worn and are making direct contact with the discs. This not only reduces braking effectiveness, but can also damage the brake discs, leading to more expensive repairs.
Another important sign is the feel at the brake pedal. If the pedal feels“spongy” or if you have to press it harder than usual to get the same braking, there may be air in the hydraulic circuit or a brake fluid leak. Conversely, if the pedal feels too hard, there may be a problem with the brake booster.
Also pay attention to abnormal vibrations during braking: if the steering wheel or the whole car vibrates when you brake, the discs could be deformed or worn unevenly. Finally, if the car tends to “pull” to one side during braking, there could be a difference in effectiveness between the brakes on the two wheels, a potentially very dangerous situation.
Checks you can do independently
Although brake system maintenance requires special expertise, there are some checks you can make yourself to assess the overall condition of the system. The first is to check the brake fluid level: open the hood and locate the brake fluid reservoir (consult the booklet for the exact location). The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks, and the fluid should appear clear and transparent.
If the level is low, there may be a leak in the system or the pads may be very worn. In either case, an immediate check at a repair shop is necessary. Never add brake fluid without first identifying the cause of the low level.
A visual check of the pads is possible on many modern cars: through the spokes of the wheels, you can often see the thickness of the pads. If the thickness is less than 3-4 millimeters, it is time to replace them. Brake discs can also be visually inspected: they should appear smooth and uniform, with no deep lines, cracks or differently colored areas that might indicate overheating.
When to turn to the mechanic
Certain checks and all maintenance of the brake system must necessarily be entrusted to qualified personnel. If you notice any of the warning signs described above, do not postpone the check: brakes are not a component you can fool around with.
A professional inspection of the brake system should include checking the thickness of the pads, the condition of the discs, the efficiency of the brake calipers, the integrity of the lines and hoses, and the quality of the brake fluid. The mechanic can also conduct a brake test to check the effectiveness and balance of the system.
Brake fluid: an often overlooked component
Brake fluid is a vital but often forgotten component of the brake system. It is responsible for transmitting pressure from the pedal to the brake calipers, enabling braking. Over time, this fluid absorbs moisture from the air, lowering its boiling point and reducing the effectiveness of the system, especially under conditions of thermal stress.
Automobile manufacturers generally recommend replacing brake fluid every two years, regardless of mileage. This replacement is especially important before summer travel, when high temperatures can bring degraded fluid to the boiling point, causing total loss of braking effectiveness.
Special attentions for mountain travel
If your summer vacation involves mountain routes with long descents, pay special attention to your brake system. Prolonged descents put enormous stress on the brakes, which must dissipate large amounts of heat. In these situations, use the engine brake by downshifting gears and avoid keeping your foot constantly on the brake pedal.
If you drive a car with an automatic transmission, use sport driving modes or manual gears to take advantage of engine braking. Many modern cars are equipped with downhill assist systems that automatically manage speed on steep descents.
Remember that workshops may be less frequent in the mountains: make sure your brakes are in perfect condition before tackling challenging trails.
A preventive check can avoid dangerous situations and ruin your vacation.
