Checking and Adjusting the Brakes

Although any major shortcomings in the braking system will, of course, have been evident during the course of normal running, slight but progressive deterioration in braking efficiency inevitably takes place as the linings wear, the process being so gradual that it usually goes undetected by a driver who becomes familiar with the car and subconsciously adjusts himself to changes in its running. A critical reassessment of the braking efficiency at 6,000-mile intervals, therefore, is a useful check on this subconscious readjustment of values. As a number of factors affect braking efficiency, the testing and adjustment are dealt with in some detail in Chapter 10.