Lockdown has left many vehicles unused, parked–up and exposed to the elements and this can have an impact on the brake system. To combat this brake specialist Brembo has offered motorists some simple advice on how to avoid problems.

Lack of use means that corrosion will start to appear on the surface of the brake discs, something that normal use will remove. This corrosion can expand if the vehicle is inactive for an extended period. Corrosion on the surface of the brakes can cause noise during braking and lead to an increase in stopping distances due to a reduction in performance.

Another issue is that with the parking brake engaged the pads/shoes are left in contact with brake discs/drums. Corrosion will build up and can cause these components to stick, restricting wheel movement. This is known as brake stiction.

Brembo says to avoid brake stiction follow some simple steps:

Start the vehicle engine, release the handbrake while the engine is running and drive the car a short distance back and forth, while gently applying the brakes. The brakes will “clean” off the surface corrosion when they come into contact with the brake discs, preventing corrosion from building up and the problems associated with it. This is recommended to be done once a week.

If it has not been possible to perform this recommended maintenance task, extra care should be taken when driving the vehicle for the first time after it has been parked for an extended period. For example, test the brakes by gently applying them to ensure that they are operating correctly. Some brake noises (squealing, grinding, crunching) may occur for the first few miles due to excessive corrosion build up.

Should these noises continue, or develop into other symptoms, such as juddering, Brembo recommends speaking to the nearest Brembo Expert who will have the necessary skills to address any issues.