Car Brake System Care

• Once a month, check the oil level of your car brakes (front oil bottle vacuum pump). Make sure the oil is at a level between the minimum and maximum. NEVER DRIVING IF BRAKE OIL LEVELS ARE BELOW MINIMUM LEVELS.
• Every 6 months when you want to do a car tire rotation, check the brake pads. Make sure the grip layer is still thick. If you find a grip is worn out or not similar between left and right, ask a mechanic check the fuel lines brake system or brake system pressure due to possible pressure on both brakes are not the same and this is very dangerous to drive especially during high-speed braking. The same thing should be done to a drum brake system.
• If there are traces of brake oil (looks paint or any material derived from petroleum melt) in any part, ask a mechanic inspect it. Do not take things for granted because of leakage may be small but it will be great during braking due to the pressure exerted on it.
• When adding brake oil, make sure the correct brake oil specifications. Dot 3 for normal use (usually cars with disc in front and drums at the rear) and DOT 4 for heavy use (for cars with 4-wheel drive system and a high-powered car). If in doubt ask your mechanic. Wrong brake oil change can cause the entire brake system we will suffer damage, especially in the seal made ​​of rubber.
• If there are scratches on the disc or on the drums, ask a mechanic to evaluate whether or not wearable any more. If you want to replace the brake pads, preferably grind back disc or drum brake change for the better. These scratches can be a barrier liner grip the disc or drum brakes. As a result, the brakes will be less effective.
• Damage often occurs is jammed brake. This occurs because the brake pads do not return floating when we release the brakes and continue to grip the disc. Damage is in the calliper, which controls the brake pads.
• For automatic transmission cars, front brake pads will wear faster than the rear (usually two times quickly), be sure to check the brake pads more often on the front of your car.
• When driving, avoid foot of always being on the brake paddle. This will minimize the use of the brake pads.
• When going down a steep hill, do not use the brakes, instead use engine braking (low gear) to control the speed of your car.

Brake System Problem Diagnosis

The braking system is a very important system in a vehicle. Damage to your system can cause an accident. However, there are many components in the system, and any damage to these components cause different problems for each other. Here are tips on how to make the initial diagnosis of your vehicle's brake problems on existing symptoms.

Brakes work, but the pedal needs to be pressed far;

Probability:

• Brake fluid level is low
• Water in the brake pipe
• Brake pads are nearly worn out

Brake paddle too hard.

Modern car brake paddle s assisted by brake booster, where it takes the vacuum pressure from the engine. So if you feel your brake paddle becomes hard;

Probability:

• Servo vacuum problem
• Faulty brakes
• Brake line blockage

No pressure on the brakes, the pedal close to the floor when pressed and the brake does not work;

Probability:

• The main pump is damaged / leaking.
• Leak in the brake line
• Leak in rear drum brake pump
• Air bubbles in the brake pipe

Brake feel 'spongy', to be pumped several times then works;

Probability:

• Air bubbles in the brake pipe

Car 'pulled' to a direction (left or right) when braking;

Probability:

• Brake calliper on one of the parts have been damaged or stuck

Brake pedal vibrates when braking;

Probability:

• Brake disc surface is not flat. Should be flattened surface (if still thick) or replaced directly.

Noisy brakes;

Probability:

• Brake pad is worn out or is too old and is already a hard material 
• Using artificial brake pads

Be Careful for The Push-Start

Sure you ever faced a situation where the batteries run out of power when you want to turn on the car right? Currently your options are either 'jump start' your car battery from another car or waiting for help from the mechanic brings a new battery for you. But if you use a car with a manual transmission, there is another option that you can turn on the car engine practised by push the car. This process you can do one, but it is advisable to do either two or more especially a big and heavy car.

Steps:

1. First make sure the problem really stems from a weak battery or starter motor failure.
2. Ensure safe surroundings. Do not do it in high traffic areas.
3. Make sure someone is in the driver's seat, to turn on the car and steering control while the other pushed the car from behind.
4. Turn off all accessories such as the radio, headlights, wipers and others.
5. Press the clutch pedal with your left foot. Do not release the clutch until the car is turned on.
6. Enter the position of the gear to second gear or third gear.
7. Release the parking brake, and do not press the brake foot.
8. Right foot ready to push the gas pedal.
9. Start pushing the car.
10. When you have enough speed, release the clutch pedal.
11. Engine will operate after the clutch pedal is released. Press the clutch and brake pedal to stop the car.
12. After ensuring that it is safe, drive your car to the nearest workshop to change the battery.

Used Cars

Buying a used car is an alternative choice for consumers compared to buying a new car because it is much cheaper. Used car prices are 20 to 30 percent lower when compared to the prices of new cars. Typically, cars are still in good condition and has low mileage. This means you can have a comfortable car at a reasonable price.

However, buying a used car is not an option for all users. Usually the last car owning experience affect a person either to choose a new or used car. To reduce risk, some measures can be taken if it is to buy a used car.

Tips on Buying a Used Car:

• Check the foot pedal and the brake. If the foot pedal has worn out, it shows the car has reached a high level of travel. If the brake pedal has worn out, it indicates that the car is being driven in urban areas.
• See if there are traces of paint that are new or different paint colour on the body panel. If there is, chances are it's broken body parts, which have been repaired and new paint closed.
• Check the odometer reading. Unorganized numbers show the odometer has been turned back. Remember, high mileage is not a bad thing if the car is still in good condition.
• View twisted wiring in the car hood. Also check your hoses to make sure whether it was cracked or weathered. This could indicate the car is old and no longer in good condition.
• See if there are oil leaks on the ground and also in the engine. This is an indication of motor problems.
• Check if the exhaust brittle or corroded. It will turn out to be black where the leak occurred.
• View baldness and cracks on the face and edges of the tires. A tire worn on one side only shows the unbalanced alignment.
• Doors should be in good condition when you open and close it. See the use of rubber around the doors. Check windows and locks. If all this does not work well, the previous owner of the car does not make great care.
• Get the vehicle identification number and do some research with the Road Transport Department where you can check prices, title search and also the history of the vehicle.
• Find a trusted mechanic or who are knowledgeable in the field of mechanical along with you when purchasing the car.