Planning a summer road trip? Before you load the car, caravan or trailer and head off on your holiday, it is worth making sure your vehicle's braking system is ready for the journey.

Long-distance holiday travel can put extra demands on your brakes, particularly with a fully loaded vehicle, towing, heavy traffic, hills and changing road conditions. A pre-trip brake inspection can identify worn or damaged components before they become a problem, helping you and your passengers travel with greater confidence.

At Whites Tractor & Auto, we inspect and service braking systems for a wide range of vehicles, from brake pads and discs through to the hydraulic components that help bring your vehicle safely to a stop.

• Brake pads and discs: Brake pads wear as they press against the brake discs. We check their condition and remaining service life, while inspecting discs for excessive wear, damage or other issues that may affect braking performance.
• Brake drums and wheel cylinders: Vehicles fitted with drum brakes require these components to be checked for wear, leaks and correct operation.
• Brake calipers: Calipers apply pressure to the brake pads. A sticking or faulty caliper can cause uneven braking and accelerated component wear.
• Brake hoses, clips and springs: These smaller components are still important to the integrity and operation of the braking system and should be checked for deterioration or damage.
• Master cylinder and brake fluid: The master cylinder generates hydraulic pressure when you apply the brake pedal. Brake fluid also needs to remain in good condition, as contamination or moisture can affect the hydraulic braking system.
• Wheel bearings: While not technically part of the braking system, wheel bearings contribute to wheel stability and should be checked as part of a thorough pre-trip vehicle inspection.

If your brakes are squealing, grinding, vibrating, pulling to one side or the pedal feels different from normal, don't wait until your holiday begins to investigate the problem.

At Whites Tractor & Auto, our qualified mechanics can inspect your braking system and identify worn components or potential faults. We also provide a Free Vehicle Inspection Report with every service, including an inspection of your brake pads and other important vehicle components, with recommendations based on your vehicle's condition and driving needs.

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, eligible brake services are also backed by a Nationwide Warranty, giving you additional peace of mind when travelling away from home.

A little preparation before a long summer journey can help you avoid an unexpected stop at the side of the road. If your vehicle is due for a service or you have noticed changes in braking performance, book a pre-trip inspection with Whites Tractor & Auto.

We'll check the condition of your braking system and help make sure your vehicle is ready for the kilometres ahead.