Modern Braking Systems: The Importance of Preventative Maintenance
The modern-day motor vehicle has changed the way we use braking systems. There was a time not so long ago when we applied the brake pedal, and we had complete control over the braking systems in our vehicles. Jump forward 30 years, and now the modern-day braking system in most, if not all, new motor cars, trucks, and buses have a system controlled by the driver and via the ECU. The Electronic Control Unit has multiple jobs and is the brain of your motor vehicle.
With all these modern interventions on the braking system, we need to be vigilant with preventative maintenance. Vehicles that have had their log books completed must still follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure that the installed systems have the correct checks, calibrations, and fluid changes.
Brake fluid, for example, is Hygroscopic, meaning that this fluid absorbs moisture. Moisture in your brake fluid can cause many issues, not just in brake feel (how the pedal is applied) but for the components. It could cause swelling of the seals and, in turn, could lead to brake failure. Though this has been the case since the introduction of brake fluid, now more than ever, it is important to change this fluid at the correct interval.
One of the most common failures we see involves the ABS module. The seals in this system swell and stop the ABS from effectively working the way it is designed to. Worst case scenario, the seals between the electrical module and the valve module leak, and fluid is then accessing the electrical componentry creating short circuits and, in some cases, fire. New modules can be costly, and used modules could be damaged or on their way to being damaged from poor service history.
Maintaining your vehicle to the standards set out by the manufacturer will not only give the best value for money motoring but will ensure that future failures are kept to an absolute minimum. It will also help with future resale value.
