Checking the Brake System

Nothing is more important than your car's ability to stop itself quickly and safely. It is therefore essential to check your brake system at least once a month, and to ensure that any problems are fixed immediately at an authorised service centre.

Check the Brake Fluid

1. Open and secure the bonnet.
2. Locate the brake master cylinder - its position will be shown in your owner's manual.
3. The brake fluid level may be checked in most modern cars without having to remove the cap on the master cylinder; simply check the level markings on the side of the plastic reservoir.
4. If you have to remove the cover to either check the levels or to top the fluid up, pry the retainer clip off gently or unscrew the plastic lid, depending on the design of the cylinder.
5. Top up the system as necessary to the 'full' line on the reservoir, taking great care not to spill any fluid on the surrounding paint.

Checking the Brakes

1. Check regularly that there is no sign of brake fluid in the footwell, either on the floor, carpets or pedals - this will indicate that there is a leak.
2. Whilst the car is parked, pump the foot brake until the pressure builds up and the pedal becomes rigid. Keep holding your foot on the pedal; if there is any loss in pressure and the pedal starts to give way, then there is a leak in the system.
3. Pull on the handbrake; it should be able to hold the car on a hill within a couple of clicks; if not, the cable may need tightening by an authorised service centre.
4. When driving, pay attention to how the brakes feel; if they feel spongy, then you could have air in the system. If there is a large amount of pedal movement before the brakes begin to bite, the brakes need adjusting.

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