Properly working brakes a necessity for all vehicles

NASCAR drivers can attest to the importance of relying on good brakes at tracks like Martinsville, Bristol and road courses like Watkins Glen.

Indeed, anyone who's ever seen an under-car brake cam that televises a racecar's brakes in operation knows the importance dependable brakes play.

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So it should come as no surprise to you that when it comes to consumer vehicle safety, brakes top the list of systems that need monitoring.

That's why regular brake inspections are essential to good automotive care. And there are simple steps you can take to make sure that your brakes are receiving the proper maintenance.

Get those inspections. For routine maintenance, it's important to have your vehicle's braking system checked at least once per year by an ASE-Certified technician. A thorough inspection should include brake lining wear, brake fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, brake and dash warning lights, as well as taking the car for a test drive to detect other potential brake system problems. Brake systems should be flushed and brake fluid replaced every two years.

Stay alert. Equally important, you need to be alert and recognize the danger signs of brake problems. Many problems related to brakes can be headed off if car owners pay attention to certain tell-tale signs of trouble that include an illuminated brake-warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel, and squealing.

Listen to your brakes. Consumers can also protect themselves from brake failure by listening for a few simple clues.

Noise is a leading indicator that something is amiss with your brakes. Any out-of-the-ordinary sound is often a sign that brakes have worn to the point they should be checked. Watch especially for grinding noises, and if your brakes typically throw off brake dust on your wheels, look for a sudden increase or decrease in dust.

Know when it's time to replace. Regardless of care, brakes should most likely be replaced every 20,000-30,000 miles.

If you're a weekend mechanic, you can perform your own inspections and install quality replacement parts. To find brake parts that offer simple installation and superior durability, visit www.raybestos.com.

So, take good care of your car and perform brake inspections regularly. Your passengers, pedestrians and other drivers will be thankful that you did.