Brake fluid 'should be checked yearly'

Date: 8/8/2011

The fluid in vehicles' brakes needs to be checked at least once a year.

Waynne Smith, Senior Partner at TorqueCars.com, makes his assertion and says that if signs of degradation are spotted the liquid will need to be changed.

"[While] bad brake fluid may stop a car when cold, it causes fade [a reduction in stopping power] as the brakes warm up and can be quite treacherous. Most spark plugs would also need to be changed annually, or at least inspected and cleaned," he explains.

One of the most important elements of basic vehicle maintenance is regular tyre inspections.

Mr Smith says he recently walked around a car park in order to inspect the tyres of the vehicles there and admits he was "frankly shocked" at the number he deemed to be dangerous.

He adds that cutting corners on keeping wheels in a good condition in order to save money is "suicidal" as it can put tyres at risk of bursting, while also reducing the efficiency of handling and braking.

Engineer John Tinham recently told the Institute of the Motor Industry that the tyres and brakes on caravans should also be examined before a trip if families are planning to take them on holiday.

Posted by Sarah Bailey