If you have a problem with your brakes, it can cause accidents and hazards. A regular brake job and new pads are important, but it is not the only maintenance your brake system needs. Even if you have your pads changed regularly, sometimes, there are problems that can arise. Therefore, it is also important to take your car in for routine brake inspections. The following brake information will help you understand why it is important to take your car in for routine brake inspections:

• Low fluid and leaks—The first brake problems that should be checked during an inspection are leaks. The leaks can be minor problems with fittings that need to be repaired, or they could be more serious problems with brake lines or the master cylinder. Any time your brake system is losing fluid, and there are leaks, you will want to have a brake inspection done.

• Scratching and caliper problems—The calipers of your brakes are another issue that you may have to deal with. When there is a problem with the pads, and you wait too long to have brake repairs done, the calipers can freeze or have other damage. The problems with your calipers are what damage brake disks and drums. Therefore, whenever you hear scratching or other strange noises, you will want to have a brake inspection done to determine the cause of the problem.

• Problems with disks and drums—Most modern cars at least have disks for front brakes. They provide stopping power when the pads are engaged and press against them. The disks can also be vulnerable to problems if you wait to change the pads. The disks can warp and may need to be repaired. If the damage to disks is too bad, they should be replaced to avoid problems with your brakes.

• Master cylinder problems that need repairs—The master cylinder is another area that needs to be inspected. It is the hydraulic system that provides the force your brakes need to stop your car. The master cylinder of your brake system has connections that can leak and moving parts that can fail. Therefore, it is important that the master cylinder is checked during the brake inspection, and it may need to be replaced if there are serious problems that can cause failures.

With routine brake inspections and regularly changing brake pads, your car will be safer. Contact a brake inspection service to have them look at your brakes and diagnose the problems that may need to be repaired.