Brakes
Worn pads and old brake fluid increase stopping distance and the risk of failure.
Safety
Safety
In short: keep an eye on your brakes, tires and exhaust system, maintain the car on schedule and do not modify its design without going through the required procedure. Below are the risks, the precautions and the legal requirements.
Risks
Exhaust fumes
A leaking exhaust system can let fumes into the cabin, which is a health hazard.
Tires and suspension
Worn tread and suspension faults reduce grip and handling.
Legal risks
Unregistered modifications and exceeding emissions limits can lead to penalties and problems with registration.
What you can do
- Service the brakes and change the brake fluid on schedule
- Check tire pressure and tread wear
- Don't ignore warning lights on the dashboard
- Before any modification, find out whether it has to be officially registered
What to avoid
- Driving with a soft brake pedal or red warning lights
- DIY brake and suspension work without the skills and tools
- Exhaust modifications that affect emissions
- Mixing incompatible fluids, such as DOT 5 with glycol-based fluids
Situation, action, limitation
| Situation | Action | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Check engine light is flashing | Ease off and take the car to a shop | Continuing to drive can damage the catalytic converter |
| Exhaust smell in the cabin | Air out the cabin, have the exhaust system checked | Don't drive with the windows closed until it is repaired |
| Soft brake pedal | Stop driving and call for help | Don't top up with fluid of an unknown rating |
| Someone offers to remove the catalytic converter | Check the consequences with official sources | The car may no longer meet its emissions class |
Sources
- TR CU 018/2011 "On the Safety of Wheeled Vehicles" (Customs Union Technical Regulation)
- Russian Code of Administrative Offences, Article 8.23
- Vehicle owner's manual
This site does not replace your vehicle's owner's manual or maintenance schedule: take service intervals, fluid capacities, torque specs and fluid specifications only from there. Check design and emissions requirements with official sources.