The ABC’s of Jeep Brake Maintenance
If you drive a Jeep, brake maintenance should be one of your top priorities. Not only are you responsible for your own safety by ensuring that your brakes are in good working order, but you will also save yourself a great deal of time and money in the long run by taking care of your brakes regularly. Jeep brake maintenance is not complicated, but there are a few simple guidelines that you should follow in order to keep your brakes working properly.
The first letter in the acronym ABC stands for “Assess”. You should begin by inspecting your brakes for any visible deficiencies. Check for any leaks around the brakes and make sure that the hoses are in good condition. Take an extra moment to look at each individual brake pad to ensure that all of them are in good condition and the calipers on each of the brakes are firmly in place and are not leaking. Inspect the brake rotors to make sure that they have not become warped, rusted or damaged in any way.
The second letter in the acronym stands for “Bleed”. The brake fluid in your Jeep needs to be flushed out every two to three years in order to keep the brake system in good working order. Begin by ensuring that your Jeep’s brake fluid is topped up to the proper level, then locate the brake fluid reservoir, unscrew the lid and use a professional brake bleeding kit to flush out the old fluid and replace it with fresh fluid.
The next letter is “Clean”. It is important to clean around the brakes on your Jeep to ensure that no dirt or debris accumulates in the brake lines. Start by washing the brakes off with soapy water until they are free of dirt, then rinse them clean with a hose. Allow the brakes to dry before you move on to lubrication.
The fourth letter stands for “Lubricate”. Every year, the caliper and the brake lines should be lubricated with a silicone-based brake grease. This will help reduce any wear and tear on the brakes and keep them in good working order. To lubricate the brakes, simply apply the grease to the caliper and brake lines, then use a small brush to evenly spread the grease around the brakes and make sure it is in all of the appropriate places.
The fifth letter stands for “Replace”. When the time comes for replacing any of the components of your Jeep’s brakes, it is important to ensure that you are using parts that are specifically designed for your particular Jeep. There are many different types of brakes available and it is important to ensure that you get the right ones. If you are in any doubt, consult with a professional mechanic who can advise you on the best brakes for your Jeep.
Finally, the last letter in the acronym stands for “Test”. Once all of your Jeep’s brakes have been properly assessed, bled, cleaned and lubricated, it is important to test them to make sure that they are in good working order. Begin by engaging the emergency brake, then test the brakes by pressing down on the brake pedal very slowly. This will allow you to gauge the amount of pressure it takes for the brakes to start working properly.
By following the ABC’s of Jeep brake maintenance, you can ensure that your brakes stay in optimum condition, providing you with the utmost in safety any time you get behind the wheel. Remember to keep a close eye on your brakes, assess their condition regularly, and perform the necessary maintenance procedures to keep them in good working order.
