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One of the better ways to check on your car brake pads is through the Brake Master Reservoir, where you top off your brake fluid. As long as your brake system has no brake fluid leaks, and you don't top off your reservoir too frequently, it is a reliable gauge on how worn out your brake pads are. This is advisable for those who have difficulty identifying brake pad indicators or calipers when visually checking on the condition of the brakes.

It is also advisable to make this checks only on Brand New vehicles or those with just Newly Installed brake pads. If you keep a record of the times you have changed brake pads, and in what condition those that were replaced, would also be a good basis when to have the system serviced. If replacing old pads and are in different conditions each time, it will not be a reliable basis.

There is really no need to top-off the the brake fluid reservoir once it goes below the maximum level line. You really need to top it off, or maybe just add, only when it is close to the minimum level line. When the fluid level is close to the Minimum Level Line on the Brake Fluid Reservoir, it is best to have the brake pads checked on how worn out it is. Again, make sure first that your brake system has no leaks. Some leaks may not be visible from the outside, especially for those equipped with brake drums. By having your brakes serviced or checked at this point could tell if the system has a leak. Early signs of leak coming from the tire wheel cylinders will show some traces of wetness somewhere around the brake disc or drum assembly. This means some brake fluid is going past the rubber cups or seals. Brake lines, pipes or tubes, should also be checked. Leaks are rare on pipe or tube junctions. What should be checked for are crimped or abnormally bent tubes that could cause brake fluid flow restriction. If you have do drive over bumps, humps or rocky roads, this could cause some damage or crimping of brake lines.

If you always maintain your brake fluid levels to maximum, it will not be a reliable gauge to see how worn out the brake pads are. If you observe that the fluid level goes down abnormally after just a few days or miles of drive, better have your brake system checked for leaks. For old cars, it will be good to check for leaks at the Master Brake Cylinder. That's where your brake pedal rod goes through directly from the Vacuum Servo assembly (sometimes called HydroVac) for power brakes. The Vacuum Servo hardly needs any servicing except for really old cars that have them. Also, be aware on how you apply your brakes. Sudden braking, frequent downhill driving and having frequent heavy load in the car will make brake pads wear off faster. If you use your brakes less then your brake pads will last longer. Being aware of these will give you an idea when to have your brakes serviced after so many miles or kilometers.

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