7 January 2018

How do you know when to replace your brakes?

In the same way that your tyres, engine and even your air-conditioning system need to be maintained, so do your brakes.

The brake system on your car is made up of a master cylinder, brake hoses and the brake caliper. When you apply pressure to the brake pedal, this pressure is transferred by the master cylinder which compresses or forces the brake fluid along the brake lines, to force the brake caliper to close the disc pads onto the disc rotor.

Basically all of these components of your braking system experience wear and tear. The action of the brakes generates a significant amount of friction, and therefore heat. Brake pads will wear as a result, and you should replace them when they reach around 30% remaining. If you go below this level, you will experience a marked decrease in braking performance.

The disc rotors will also wear down – check your vehicle manual to determine the minimum thickness for safe use – less than this and you risk reduced braking performance.

Brake pads can also become glazed – stop start driving or riding the brakes causes the brake pads to become extremely hot, and the heat causes the surface of the pad to become smooth – thereby reducing the friction – you will notice squeaking brakes, and longer braking distances. If you have a traction control system in your vehicle, remember that these work by applying the brakes to individual wheels to stop wheel spin. This can also cause glazing on the brake pads. Switch off your traction control system when you are not driving in loose terrain.

The extreme heat can also cause the metal in the disc rotors to deform and become uneven. This will cause a wobble which you will feel through the steering wheel, especially is the discs on the front wheels have been affected. The uneven braking surface will also reduce braking performance and result in a longer braking distance.

Brake fluid transfers the pressure of your foot on the brake pedal in your car, to the brake pads and discs, thereby slowing or stopping your car. You should have the brake fluid replaced yearly – and in addition, you need to check the levels of the brake fluid on a regular basis – although the brake fluid is inside a pressurised and sealed system, the brake hoses, seals and fittings are made of rubber which can deteriorate over time, and some fluid may leak.

Regular attention to these items could save you a costly accident – in terms of the safety of yourself and your passengers as well as potential expensive repairs if your vehicle is damaged in an accident where you haven’t been able to stop in time.

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What To Do If Someone Hits Your Parked Car

Coming back to find your parked car damaged is never fun, but knowing how to respond correctly can save you time, money and stress.

Firstly, understand that getting upset is natural, but taking a deep breath will help you make better decisions. Examine your car thoroughly and document any visible damage, taking multiple photos from different angles, including close-ups of dents, scratches or broken parts, and capturing the surrounding area, such as road signs and markings, for context.

Next, see if you can locate the driver responsible. Sometimes, people leave a note with their contact information and insurance details. If there’s no note, look for witnesses nearby who may have seen what happened. You can also check for CCTV from nearby businesses, homes or on the street, as some areas have coverage. If you’re unsure, consider contacting the local council to find out whether cameras are in place that might have captured the accident.

If the driver didn’t leave a note, or if they did but are unresponsive or the information they provided seems incorrect, contact the police to report the accident and provide all the information you have, including photos, footage and witness statements. Be sure to request a copy of the police report, as it can be useful when dealing with insurance.

If you’re still having a hard time getting a hold of the at-fault driver and therefore cannot claim directly through their car insurer, it’s time to lodge a claim with your own insurance provider, if you have one. Provide them with as much information as possible, including the police report. From there, your insurer can determine whether your coverage, along with the information you have, will cover the damage to your car.

If your car insurer happens to find information about the at-fault driver and is able to have them lodge a claim so the costs of the damage are recoverable, you can contact Carbiz for a replacement car while your car is being repaired or until it’s been deemed a total loss. This ensures you’re not left without a car during this time, giving you peace of mind and the ability to keep your life moving.

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What It Means When Your Car Is Declared A Write-Off After An Accident

If your car has been involved in an accident, you may hear the term “write-off” from your insurance company or repairer. But what does it actually mean when your car is declared a write-off? Understanding this process can help you make informed decisions about your car, repairs and costs.

A car is considered a write-off when the cost to repair it after an accident is too high compared to its market value. Insurance companies often calculate the repair cost and compare it to the car’s value prior to the accident. If the repair cost is more than a certain percentage of the car’s value, typically around 60–75%, the car may be classified as a write-off. This doesn’t always mean your car is completely destroyed; sometimes the car could technically be repaired, but the cost would outweigh the benefits.

There are different types of write-offs. A total loss write-off is when the car is so badly damaged that repairing it is not financially viable. A repairable write-off is when the car can be fixed, but it requires significant repairs. In either case, the insurance company will usually pay out the car’s value at the time of the accident, minus any applicable excess or deductions.

The cost implications of a write-off can vary. If your car is declared a write-off, you may need to consider the cost of replacing it with another car. Some car owners opt to keep a repairable write-off, but this comes with the added repair costs, which can be substantial depending on the extent of the damage. Repair costs can quickly add up, especially if the accident involved structural damage or expensive parts.

It’s also important to understand that a car that has been written off may have a lower resale value even after repairs. Future buyers often view written-off cars as higher risk, which can affect the cost of insurance and overall value.

If your car is declared a write-off after an accident, speak with your insurance provider to understand your options. You may receive a payout for the car’s value, and in some cases, you can negotiate repair costs or even retain the car if it is repairable. Knowing what a write-off means, how it affects repair costs, and how it impacts the car’s value can save you time, money and stress after an accident.

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