Checking your Brake Pads, Disc Brakes and Brake fluids

Disc Brake

Brakes are vital safety components for every vehicle, so it is very important to pay attention to the condition of brake pads, disc brakes, and brake fluids.
Here are some helpful tips on maintaining healthy brakes:

The importance of checking all parts of the Disc Brakes:

According to the American Automobile Association, depending on the vehicle, the disc brakes are located in the front and back of the vehicle. The disc brakes consist of disc pads, rotors, and calipers. Consider which part of the brake needs repair. Brake wear can be indicated by sounds of squealing, chirping or scraping. Brake wear may also be indicated by shaking, which is a sign of bad rotors.

If you feel your brakes need attention, visit your local mechanic.

Why it is important to check brake pads:

It is important to check your car’s brake pads on a regular basis.

According to some mechanics, if brake pads wear out, the metal backs on the brake pad will start to rub against the brake rotor. This connection can be damaging to the rotor and endangers motorists. To prevent this from happening, just check for the signs of brake pad wear and have them changed if needed.

If you are interested in learning how to replace brake pads yourself, research what is best for your vehicle or contact your mechanic.

Additionally, in order to maintain safe brakes, it is important to pay attention to your vehicle’s brake fluid levels.

Brake Pads at various stages of wear. 

To maintain a safe boiling point of your brake fluid and avoid brake failure, always check your brake fluid regularly. According to automobile manufacturers, it is generally recommended that you check your brake fluid every two years.

Your brake fluid is in your brake fluid reservoir, as shown in the image below:

Checking your brake fluid

Dark brown or black brake fluid means that the fluid needs to be replaced. According to AAA, here’s how you can check your brake fluid for yourself:

• Remove the cap on the brake reservoir and check the level of the fluid.
• Vehicles require specific types of brake fluid, make sure you check the type your car needs before adding the fluid.
• Don’t mix fluids.
• Fill your reservoir to the correct level as required by your vehicle.
  

  

  Brake Fluid Reservoir

For further inquiries contact your local mechanic.

Elaine Chao confirmed as Secretary of Transportation

Image source: elainechao.com

In a 96-3 vote, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Elaine Chao as the 18^th U.S. Transportation Secretary.

Chao’s responsibility will be to help the administration improve our country’s infrastructure.

In an article written by the Washington Post, Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) said Secretary Chao has the experience necessary to advise the government.

This isn’t Chao’s first time working in the U.S. Department of Transportation. In 1989, Chao served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation and in 1986, she was the USDOT Deputy Administrator.

Chao has also served as the Secretary of Labor for the George W. Bush administration.

SAFE students visit Capitol

Over 100 high school students visit with the legislators at the Capitol during the SAFE Day at the Capitol.

Around 100 Kansas students visited with legislators in Topeka yesterday for the SAFE (Seatbelts Are For Everyone) Day at the Capitol event.

Students met with state representatives and shared how their local SAFE program has benefited their communities.

According to the organization's website, SAFE is peer-to-peer program located in 142 schools across 62 counties in Kansas. Students educate their peers and classmates on traffic safety issues like distracted driving and impaired driving. They also encourage each other to buckle up every trip, every time. 

In the nine years since the program was implemented, the seatbelt rate for teens 15-17 has increased 25 percent. Today, 86 percent of teens are using their seatbelts. 

For more information on the SAFE program check out their website:
www.ktsro.org/safe