Brake Maintenance

Brake Maintenance

The braking system is one of the main safety elements active in any vehicle. Of its various components, the materials that cause friction – brake discs and brake pads – need to be periodically maintained and replaced, as they are subject to wear.

To ensure that the braking system is always in perfect working order, both brake pads and brake discs must be maintained in the best possible condition. Indeed, each time the vehicle brakes, the friction generated causes the material used in both the brake pads and the brake discs to become worn.

To avoid compromising the working order of the braking system, when a certain level of wear has been reached, the brake discs and brake pads must be replaced.

The minimum thickness of the braking band (Min TH) is indicated on the brake discs, while the brake pads usually feature a wear indicator that signals when the pads need to be replaced.

We recommend checking your brakes every 6 to 12 months, but a check-up should be performed immediately if the vehicle presents signs of vibration.

The main signals that indicate that the brake disc or brake pads are worn or deteriorated are:

• the warning light comes on (when one is present, and only for the brake pads)
• noise occurs during braking
• presence of vibrations
• presence of deep circular lines or radial cracks on the braking band
• signs of overheating

In some cases, the level of the brake fluid may also provide useful information about the rate of wear of the brake discs and brake pads. When the brake pads and discs become worn, the small piston of the brake caliper  is forced to travel further in order to compensate for the loss of brake disc and/or pad thickness, in turn absorbing a larger quantity of brake fluid that causes the appropriate warning light on the dashboard to light up.