Car control: A must this rainy season

MANILA, Philippines - Why is car control especially at risk  and needed  during the rainy season? Quite simply, when a car drives through or gets stuck on flooded roads, there is a good chance that water might contaminate the brake system, including the brake fluid. This compromises overall car control, and the driver’s ability to drive with accuracy and safety. Ironically, this is at a time when one has to deal with extra difficult driving conditions, such as slippery roads and poor visibility.  

When cars are caught in flooded roads and submerged till half of the tires, they are prone to moisture build-up. Check the brake fluid afterward and determine if the fluid has been contaminated. Inspect the physical condition of the brake system as well, ensuring that its parts  lining, pads and drums  are not wornout or damaged.

A telltale sign includes a spongy feel and slow response when the brakes are depressed. This is because moisture has lowered the boiling point of the brake fluid, creating numerous vapor bubbles.

Car owners should be aware that brake fluid naturally increases its moisture content. Moisture builds up in the brake system when air is sucked into the system lines during refilling of the master cylinder especially when it is under fill. 

It is recommended that brake fluid should be inspected regularly and change annually especially for cars two years and older. The fastest way to check is to collect a sample and see if the color becomes darker in color compared to a fresh brake fluid or if there are any foreign particles or residues floating in your sample. If your brake fluid resembles these samples, then it needs a complete flush-and-fill. Simply topping off old brake fluid with new one does not get rid of moisture build-up; it retains the moisture that eventually corrodes the car’s metal hydraulic components such as valves and pistons. The brake fluid is less reliable and may lead to accident due to brake failure.

For more tips on auto maintenance and road safety visit Prestone Philippines Facebook page-www.facebook.com/prestonephilippines.