Are your brakes ready for summer driving?

You’ve been planning your summer vacation for months and made a list of things you can’t forget to do before departing. What about your vehicle’s brakes?

“A vehicle’s brake system carries a big responsibility: ensuring you and your family are safe on the road,” said Tony Molla, vice president of communications at Automotive Service Excellence. “With summer’s heat and long trips, your brakes can take quite a beating.”

ASE experts offer the following five tips to keep your brakes working properly this summer:

1. Incorporate a brake inspection with your regular service. Your brake system is just as important as fresh tire tread, and an inspection will provide you with information about your pads, rotors, calipers, brake fluid and more.

2. Ask about “recommended thickness. Manufacturers have a specific minimum thickness required for their brakes to function properly. Though your brake pad may appear to have “plenty” of thickness, ask for the specific thickness the manufacturer recommends and ensure your pads meet the minimum requirement.

If your vehicle has drum brakes, ask your mechanic or technician to inspect pads located inside the drum.

“With drum brakes, to inspect the shoes you will have to remove the brake drum,” Molla said.

3. Drive easy and prolong your pads. Severe or extreme driving will shorten the length of your pads - costing you money and time down the road. Being conscious of your brake use helps prolong the life of your brakes.

According to Molla, “If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or drive your vehicle particularly harshly - you’re going to wear out those brakes more quickly.”

4. Pay attention to your vehicle while driving. No one knows how your vehicle drives better than you do. If you feel any vibration, or notice your car pulls to one side, consider an inspection.

“If you feel vibration or pulsation when you step on the brakes, take your vehicle to your service center,” Molla suggested.

5. Check all brake lighting. Ask your advisor or a friend to see if brake lights are working properly when you press the pedal. A blown bulb or cracked housing can prevent other drivers from seeing your vehicle clearly.