The summer holidays are here. For many families, it’s time to load up the car and head off on a well-deserved vacation. To ensure that the best time of the year doesn’t start with a breakdown or other unnecessary stress, many road trippers take their car to their trusted garage for a pre-holiday safety check. Textar advises automotive professionals to take a critical look at the brakes when preparing for a long journey – especially the brake pads.
Brake pads are often the most important factor when it comes to staying safe on long journeys. They are subject to natural wear and tear and gradually lose their effectiveness over time. Worn pads not only extend the braking distance considerably, they can also overheat or even fail completely under heavy use – for example, on long descents or during an emergency stop. To avoid unpleasant surprises such as these, it’s best to go to a specialist even before you hit the road.
Brake fluid
Another braking component to check before a long trip is brake fluid. Brake fluid absorbs water over time, causing the braking system to rust and causing issues such as spongy pedals, reduced braking efficiency, and increased system wear. A qualified technician can check the moisture content using a brake fluid boil tester, such as Textar’s TEX1000BFT, and advise whether the brake fluid needs to be replaced.
“Holidaymakers travelling with family and a lot of luggage pose major challenges for their vehicle’s braking system,” says Scott Irwin, Head of Technical Training at TMD Friction. “A quick brake check before setting off on holiday can be crucial to prevent an emergency. That’s why the small but vital brake pad component should be at the top of the checklist when taking the car for a pre-holiday check to the garage. It is a small check with a big impact – not only in terms of safety, but also in terms of customer loyalty or potential additional business.”
Customised pads for even more safety
If the brake pads need to be replaced, it is advisable to use high-quality spare parts from manufacturers who also supply series production. Like its original equipment, Textar’s aftermarket brake pads are tailor-made for the individual vehicle, its braking system, and its intended use. With such customised friction materials, the workshop not only minimises the risk of complaints, it also ensures that the original pedal feel is retained after a brake replacement – a decisive factor for safety. With Textar brake pads, which are available for more than 99 per cent of the European car parc, automotive professionals offer their customers maximum reliability, short braking distances, and a long service life for a safe and relaxing road trip.
