If you plan to give your teen a used car as a gift, you may check the engine and transmission for problems before you do so, but one of parts on the car you should check first are the brakes. Although it doesn't apply to all older cars, some vehicles could have brake system problems. If the brakes give out when your teen drives the car, it could be dangerous. Here's why it's important to check the car's brake system.

What May Be Wrong With the Brakes?

Brake systems consist of many parts you may or may not be familiar with, including brake rotors. Rotors, also called discs, allow you to stop a car whenever you need to do so. You usually do this by pressing down on the brake pedal. If the rotors rust or deteriorate, your teen may not have the ability to stop the car at a stop light or on the road. 

You also want to check the fluids in the car's brake system. Fluids keep the vehicle's hydraulic system in top condition. The hydraulic system helps the car stop on demand or when needed. Without enough fluids traveling through the hydraulic system, the brakes won't work properly. 

By having the car's brakes inspected, you help protect your teen and other people on the road.

How Do You Make the Brake System Safer?

It's a good idea that you take the car to a brake repair shop for services. A repair technician can perform a diagnostic check on the system to see if it has leaks or rusted pieces. A technician may also check the internal parts of the brakes, such as the master cylinder piston and brake pads. The master cylinder is very important because it transports brake fluid to the pads. Leaks in the brake line or master cylinder can be dangerous.

A technician may suggest that you replace the pads, rotors, and fill the fluid during the inspection. Replacing only a few parts can still cause the system to fail. A technician can go over the best replacement parts for your teen's car. If you have concerns about the parts, don't hesitate to discuss them with a technician.

After the repairs, monitor the brake fluids in the car regularly. If you can't do so yourself, schedule routine maintenance with a technician. 

You can obtain additional information about the car's brake system by contacting a technician near you today.