Of course your cars brakes are really important. Surprisingly, we still get cars presented to us with brake pedals that almost touch the floor of the vehicle! So you would not believe the number of cars that are driving about with insufficient braking power. You really have to press the pedal with all your might to stop the car!
So, this article comes as yet another reminder to my customers and the motoring public in general. Regular servicing ensures that your brake levels, including your master cylinder, are checked. Of course, I not only checked but also topped up to the correct level. At the moment, I am writing this important post in the middle of the “covid 19” pandemic.
As a result, millions of cars have been parked up and stood down. We were all told to stay at home to fight this terrible virus. Vehicles were no doubt neglected. Consequently, braking systems, for one reason or another, would have become “spongy”. This is due to air getting into the brake system for one reason or another. Especially when the brakes were not used.
As I am writing this, there will be motorists who will remember having to pump the brake pedal to enable them to get a good braking response. So, in my opinion, I would recommend that you call into your local independent garage and at least have a brake check. Preferably, though, as part of a service.
I have personally experienced brake failure, and believe me, it is no fun when you press the brake pedal and the car does not stop.
Affect of COVID on brakes following Lockdown
Brake Check: West Yorkshire and Halifax’s Surprising Lockdown Effect on Vehicle Brakes
Hey once more, nice folks! How are you all doing? Okay, everyone, get ready because today we’re talking about something you might not have considered but really should.
Have you ever considered what lockdown did to your car’s braking system? We all know that it resulted in fewer vehicles on the road, which was a benefit for some. You heard me correctly, yes. Let’s talk about how lockdown caused automobiles to become rolling dangers, notably in West Yorkshire and our beloved Halifax.
Seeing is Believing
Many of us left our cars parked during the lockdowns without thinking about them. There is only the weekly shop and that’s it; there is no commute and no weekend excursions. Your car’s brakes have been rusting and corroding while you’ve been watching Netflix. Not the best, eh?
The big deal is what?
You may be contemplating, “Then what? Nobody should be damaged by a little rust.” Wrong! You invite all kinds of issues when you neglect your brakes for an extended period of time. reduced stopping ability, noises from the brakes, or even worse, complete braking failure. Not what you want as you drive down the M62.
West Yorkshire’s problems
Let’s discuss something more regional now—West Yorkshire. Everything is present here, from steep hills to congested city streets, so your brakes get a good workout. The amount of rain we receive adds an additional layer of rust to your brakes’ already deteriorating condition. I’d say it’s dangerous!
We Have a Problem, Halifax
Immediately, Halifax. My home territory. I’ve noticed a surge in the number of cars arriving at my repair shop with faulty brakes. And we’re not just referring to a minor problem here; we’re talking about complete brake replacement projects. Halifax residents are aware that we have more hills than a mountain goat could ever imagine. Hence, having bad brakes here isn’t just a pain; it’s dangerous.
Organizing It
what is good news? It’s not all bad news, either. Use those brakes to keep them in good shape by giving your car a good run every now and again. And if you’re unsure of the condition of your brakes, have them inspected by a pro. You can avoid a lot of future trouble with a fast check.
A Conclusion
So there you go. Another unintended consequence of the lockout is that unsafe brakes make driving around Halifax and West Yorkshire less safe. Yet as the saying goes, knowledge is power. Watch your brakes closely to avoid being caught off guard.
Thank you for watching, everyone. Having braking issues? Arrive at the garage, and we’ll take care of you. Until then, be careful on the road.
MOT testing is back on track
Another thing effected by the government lockdown was the suspension of MOT testing. Because people were in lockdown, the government, in there wisdom, decided to make my life even more miserable by suspending MOT testing. However, now that this period is over, cars will still have to be tested.
Backlogs are inevitable as thousands of motorists will try book their cars into their favourite garages. This will be a great time to take advantage of one of the deals that small garages can offer. For example, here at Pellon Autocentre, we will offer the customer an MOT test and service for just £100.
Naturally, this will also alleviate any anxiety about the car’s brakes. They will be thoroughly checked on the service and then sanctioned on the MOT.
This article is about your anti-lock braking system. Thus, the ABS fitted to your car is an additional safety feature. Hence, this is now found on many modern cars. Your car’s ABS system For this reason, it is designed to help prevent your wheels from locking. Especially during heavy braking situations, such as cornering on a wet or snowy road,
Importantly, your ABS will prevent your car from skidding
or aquaplaning. Your ABS system is made up of the ABS module and has sensors fitted on each of your wheels. As a result, these sensors detect your wheel speed. Hence, this will send a message to the ABS module. This reacts by rapidly pumping the brakes when detected. Especially when the car is skidding and has lost traction on a wet or icy road.
If your car is not fitted with an ABS system, you may lose traction due to a loss of traction. On slick roads, skidding or aquaplaning might be the cause of this. When you have to apply your brakes, then, without ABS, you could lose control of the car. As a result, your ABS system on your vehicle will give you plenty of warning signs when there are any problems with the ABS brake system.
The ABS system modulates brake pressure-Anti-lock Braking System
In order to keep track of speed and wheel spin, anti-lock brakes require a number of sensors. The technology detects when the wheels start to lock up and delivers pressure to each wheel at a different rate to stop the vehicle. By doing this, the wheels won’t lock up.
Brake pressure is regulated to maintain optimal stopping force and control when ABS is on. When the vehicle slows down or stops, the ABS regulates brake pressure by pressing harder on the brake pedal. The opposite is also true when the vehicle slows down or stops.
For commercial vehicles, ABS was first created. After it was shown to increase vehicle safety, it was later adopted for automobiles in the 1980s. It is now a standard feature on all new cars to increase safety.
Your car will slow down using hydraulic pressure-Anti-lock Braking System
and the ABS. The purpose of this device is to stop the wheels from locking up during braking, which could result in an accident. Additionally, it aids you in keeping control of your vehicle when stopping on unsteady or wet and muddy ground.
I think it is important for the driver to be aware of the warning signs. By knowing about the problems and correcting them, you are more likely to be able to address the problem should one occur. As I have said previously,
ABS works by detecting individual wheel locks and momentarily releasing the brakes on that particular wheel. Hence, by cutting out the amount of brake fluid, which is supplied to the wheel via the master cylinder,. Therefore, allow the wheel to regain traction and then carry on driving in safety.
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