When motorists are leaving for vacations, brake repair is an automotive task that must be taken care of prior to heading out. Putting off this crucial automotive task can result in a ruined getawa...

When motorists are leaving for vacations, brake repair is an automotive task that must be taken care of prior to heading out. Putting off this crucial automotive task can result in a ruined getaway. Not performing simple repairs when they're needed can result in pricier reparations, being stuck out in the middle of nowhere or traveling in a vehicle that won't stop when it's necessary. Brakes have various components that tend to wear out, dry up, or erode. Items to check include the pads, fluids, brake lights and all the mechanical parts that cause the tires to halt. In fact, it's wise to have the entire car serviced before a road trip including oil changes and tune-ups. Here are some things to think about:

Stopping to read the map: While driving through uncharted and unfamiliar territory, a motorist and his or her passengers will likely be checking the map on a regular basis. Even with computerized mapping systems or GPS installed in one's vehicle, there will still be street signs to decipher and directions to translate. This means that the brakes had better be ready for more stop-and-go than usual.

Unfamiliar with traffic signals: Motorist usually becomes quite familiar with the speed limits and traffic signals in their own hometown. These signals are often set at a certain speed to allow an experienced townsperson to hit all the lights just right. For example, if the speed limit is 40MPH through a main stretch of town, a driver will know to go right around 38-42MPH and still make all the green lights. This will result in much less slowing down, stopping and starting again, i.e. less wear and tear on the brakes. Having to crunch the brakes repeatedly due to not knowing the speeds and signals will be harder on the halting devices.

Driving through mountains: Going up and down mountainous regions will result in the need for stopping power. If this system isn't functioning properly, an automobile driver can find him or herself veering off on the runaway truck pathway with the semis. Steep mountains require finely tuned and serviced vehicles to maneuver through the terrain.

Traveling through hilly cities: Some cities and towns are relatively flat but others, such as San Francisco, are like going on a roller coaster ride. The difference is that instead of raising one's hands in the air screaming "yippee!" like at an amusement park, the driver must keep hands on the wheel and all passengers safe and sound. With a bad set of brakes, the amusement park fun of hilly streets can turn into a nightmare. No one wants to see a cable car that close up and to hear his or her bumpers colliding or to experience a smash up near the Golden Gate Bridge. Vacationers want to leave their heart in San Francisco, not their automobile.

Vacations come and go so quickly. They're hard earned respites that should provide rejuvenation, not automotive hassles. Taking care of car maintenance tasks such as oil changes and brake repair before the suitcases are packed will be a wise idea.