How to Test a Brake System

Your brake system is a complex setup of wires, fluid, pads and pedals. To test your brake system, you can run a couple of simple diagnostics and then take your car for a test drive. Brake fluid will need to be regularly refilled, and brake pads replaced. If your brakes have begun squeaking or feel too touchy or loose, it may be time to run some diagnostic tests and determine the problem.

Instructions

1

Release the hood. The hood release is found on the driver's side of the vehicle, typically under the steering wheel on the left side. Put on thick gloves to work under the hood.

2

Locate the master cylinder. The master cylinder is almost always on the driver's side, right above where the brake pad is located inside the car. Your owner's manual will have a diagram showing you where the master cylinder is located.

3

Examine the fluid level. Sometimes the fluid will be in a clear container. Look at the level of the fluid through the container instead of taking the cap off. Make sure the fluid is between the high and low lines that mark the most and least fluid you should have at any time. Refill the brake fluid if necessary.

4

Sit in the car with the engine off. Give the brake four slow, solid pumps. Resistance should build with each pump. By the fourth pump, the brake should be resisting at the top of the pedal. This means the brake pads are still good.

5

Set up a test-drive area in a wide open space with no obstacles, cars or pedestrians. Test your deceleration power at several speeds, but never driving above the speed limit for the area you are in. Make sure the brake stops at a reasonable pressure, not too touchy or too loose.