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Do you know what the most important safety feature is on your car, truck, or SUV?
If you think it’s your air bags, you’re wrong.
If you think it’s your seat belt, think again.
Maybe it’s the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System) on that newer vehicle you own? Nope.
How about the headlights that run day and night? Nice try, but no.
Windshield wipers? Nyet.
Safety glass? Nuh-uh.
What is the most important safety feature on your vehicle?
The number one safety feature is your braking system. All of the other safety features are secondary to your brakes, which are responsible for stopping you in time before a collision.
When was the last time you had your brakes serviced or repaired? If you cannot remember, it would be wise to take your vehicle into your favorite auto mechanic for a safety inspection.
In the past, CARSTAR Robert’s Collision offered brake repair and service. However, now that we are only offering auto body repair, paint, and detailing services, we no longer offer mechanical preventive maintenance for cars. We will fix your car’s brakes after an accident and restore your vehicle to pre-collision conditions. But we are no longer the auto repair facility that will perform factory-scheduled maintenance service on vehicles. If, however, you need a recommendation of some local mechanics who can assist you with high-quality brake repair and service, we will be happy to share our thoughts based on your vehicle make and requirements.
But since we are the auto body repair business, we want to be perfectly clear that even though we’d love to repair your car after a collision, we would prefer you stay safe and avoid any accidents. Therefore, we highly recommend you take your vehicle into a local mechanic for a brake inspection to make sure your vehicle is in top shape and stop quickly to lower your risk of collision.
Does your vehicle need some auto body repair or detailing work? Our auto body team is happy to assist you with that. We invite you to CARSTAR Robert’s Collision for auto body repairs, touch-up paint, a major paint job, wheel alignment, or detailing services. We invite you to schedule an appointment at https://www.roberts-autorepair.com//appointments/.
Updates 2/19/24:
The Importance of Safety Features
Modern vehicles come equipped with a plethora of safety features designed to help you avoid accidents and mitigate their severity if they do occur. From advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to collision avoidance technologies, these features work together to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
ADAS, for instance, utilizes cameras, sensors, and radar to detect potential hazards and assist the driver in avoiding collisions. Lane departure warning systems, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking are just a few examples of how these technologies actively work to prevent accidents.
Additionally, features such as traction control and stability control help maintain control of the vehicle in adverse driving conditions, further reducing the risk of accidents.
Take Care of ALL Your Features
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your vehicle's safety features remain effective.
Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule: This includes regular inspections and servicing of safety systems such as brakes, tires, and suspension components.
Keep sensors and cameras clean: Many modern safety features rely on sensors and cameras to function correctly. Keep these components clean and free from dirt, debris, and obstructions to ensure optimal performance.
Address any warning lights or alerts promptly: If your vehicle's dashboard displays a warning light related to a safety feature, don't ignore it. Have the issue diagnosed and repaired by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
Stay informed about software updates: Some safety features may require software updates to address performance issues or improve functionality. Stay informed about any updates released by the manufacturer and have them installed as recommended.
If something seems wrong, or if a dashboard light comes on, it’s your car's way of communicating for you. As tempting as it is to ignore the problem and hope it goes away (we’ve all been there), catching issues early can keep more significant problems from happening. Larger problems cost you more, so being proactive can save you money in the long run!
Symptoms Of Bad Brakes
Your vehicle's braking system is critical for your safety, and recognizing signs that indicate it needs attention can prevent potential accidents.
Squealing or grinding noises when braking: These noises could indicate worn brake pads or damaged brake components that need to be replaced.
Vibrations or pulsations when braking: This could be a sign of warped brake rotors or other issues with the braking system that require attention.
Soft or spongy brake pedal: A soft or spongy brake pedal could indicate air in the brake lines or a problem with the brake hydraulic system that needs to be addressed.
Longer stopping distances: If it takes longer for your vehicle to come to a complete stop than usual, it could indicate worn brake pads or other issues with the braking system.
Dashboard warning light: If the brake warning light illuminates your dashboard, it's essential to have the braking system inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it's crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic promptly. Ignoring brake issues can compromise your safety and the safety of others on the road.