Brakes are one of the most important safety systems on any vehicle. This is especially true for commercial vehicles, like vans. Whether a van is used for deliveries or transporting equipment, the brakes need to be in excellent condition in order to get the job done safely. In this article, we’re going to be detailing why van brakes wear out, signs to look out for and how to prevent brake issues in the future.
Why do van brakes wear out?
Brakes will deteriorate naturally the more you use your van. This is the same for both domestic and commercial vehicles. While brake wear is inevitable, numerous things can affect how quickly brakes wear, including:
- The frequency at which the van is used
- The type of journeys the van does
- How you drive the van
- The weight the van is required to carry on a regular basis
- Traffic conditions
- Road conditions
- The quality and type of brake components used or fitted
But how do you know when it’s time to have your brakes changed? What can make your van brakes and pads deteriorate, other than simple and usual wear and tear? Below is a list of risks and signs that your brake system needs to be replaced in some form.
Increased stopping distances
One of the biggest dangers of worn brake pads and discs is the increased stopping distance. Stopping distance is required to keep yourself and other road users safe. As brake pads and other components deteriorate, the braking system becomes far less effective. This can mean that your van will take longer to come to a complete stop.
Even a small increase in stopping distance can be the difference between a routine stop and an emergency situation. For instance, if the vehicle stops suddenly ahead of you, then worn brakes will reduce the amount of time you have to avoid the collision.
This is especially concerning when carrying heavy loads. This is because increased vehicle load can also increase stopping distance. In turn, this hinders braking performance. Combined, this makes for a serious issue on the road. This is even more reason to make sure your brakes are functioning as they should.
Reduced braking performance
Worn brakes, whether it be pads or discs, will not provide the same level of braking performance as properly maintained components. Drivers will subsequently notice that they need to press the brake pedal harder or further than usual in order to achieve the same braking effect. The van may also feel less responsive when it comes to slowing down ot stopping eventually.
As such, any noticeable change in braking performance should be addressed as soon as possible and taken extremely seriously. Here at VanServ, we’re pleased to be able to inspect, replace or repair brake parts and components to restore safety and functionality to your vehicle. Our team of highly trained experts are experienced in dealing with brake system issues.
Greater risk of brake failure
Severely worn brake parts and components can lead to more serious issues concerning braking performance and integrity. For instance, if brake pads are allowed to wear down significantly, then the underlying parts can become damaged as a result.
Therefore, continuing to drive a vehicle with existing brake problems can cause damage to brake discs or other parts of the braking system. In more serious cases, a braking system fault can reduce the vehicle’s ability to stop safely when needed. If you arrange regular van servicing for your vehicle, it will help to identify any issues in good time.
The earlier those problems are spotted and rectified, the safer and cheaper it will be for you, the van owner. It also aids in keeping yourself, your passengers and other road users protected from harm.
Damage to other brake components
Ignoring the signs of worn van brakes now only means you’ll have to repair or replace them further down the line. This will likely incur more costs as the damage done could be considerable if left for weeks or months on end. For instance, if brake pads become excessively worn, metal components can come into contact with the brake disc.
This will therefore cause scoring and other damage in the process. In this case, not only will you have to replace the pads, but the discs as well, therefore increasing the cost of van brake replacement. By having your van brakes inspected regularly, an expert will be able to advise you on when to carry out the work to prevent unnecessary wear, saving you money.
The van pulls to one side
If there’s a problem with the braking system, then it can cause the van to pull to one side when the brakes are applied. This therefore makes the vehicle more difficult to control, especially during an emergency braking situation or when the van is travelling at a higher speed. Pulling to one side when braking can be caused by more than just the van’s brakes. But if you experience a noticeable change in the handling of the van when you brake, then it should be investigated by a qualified professional.
You regularly carry heavy loads
Vans are often used in a commercial capacity, and so they’re usually used to transport heavy tools, stock, machinery and other heavy items. Carrying a heavy load increases the demands placed on the braking system.
The van has more mass to slow down, and so the brakes will have to work harder in the process. If your van’s brakes are already worn, then this additional demand can reduce the margin for safe braking, which compromises everyone’s safety, including other road users, yourself and your passengers.
Therefore, van operators need to ensure that their vehicles are loaded within the manufacturers’ recommendations and guidelines. This ensures that the braking system is maintained appropriately.
How to tell if your van brakes are worn
There are warning signs that are synonymous with worn van brakes. As such, drivers should pay close attention to any changes in how their van brakes feel or sound. But you should still keep in mind that not every brake problem produces an obvious sign.
With this in mind, the following warning signs that your van brakes are worn are guidelines only, and if you have any concerns, then you should consult a professional, such as us here at VanServ. Here’s how to tell if your van brakes are worn:
- Squealing to screeching noises
- Grinding or scraping noises
- A vibrating brake pedal
- The van pulls to one side when braking
- The brake pedal feels unusually soft or spongy
- You need to press the brake pedal further than usual
- Braking performance is reduced
- There’s visible damage to the brake components
- A warning light has appeared on the dashboard
- There’s a burning smell after you’ve braked
How to prevent van brake problems
If you want to prevent van brake problems, then you should carry out preventative van maintenance. This can include following the van servicing schedule and even paying closer attention to the warning signs outlined in the section above. But there are other things you need to do to mitigate van brake issues, and those measures include the following:
- Follow the van servicing schedule – van servicing will include checks on important braking components. This keeps up with recommended servicing that can identify worn brake pads, discs and other issues before they become serious
- Pay attention to the warning signs – don’t ignore unusual noises, changes in pedal feel or reduced braking performance. Having the problem checked early will prevent further damage and reduce repair costs in the process
- Consider how your van is being used – if the van makes regular short journeys, regularly carries heavy loads or drives in heavy traffic, then brake wear will increase over time
- Check your load – avoid exceeding your van’s weight limit. If the van is overloaded, then it can place additional strain on its tyres, brakes, suspension and other components
VanServ is a professional van maintenance and servicing firm that is highly qualified and fully trained to deliver a wide range of services, including the replacement and repair of van brakes, van suspension, van services, van key cutting, van gearboxes, van clutches, van air-con and more. If you’d like further information about our van brake replacement and van brake repair services, then get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.