THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD FUNCTIONING BRAKES
"You gotta have good brakes. If you have good brakes you can keep yourself out of a lotta trouble".
Brakes should be regularly inspected, at Clarksun Automotive Ltd we recommend having your vehicle test driven to see how the brake system works. Then a visual inspection, measuring pad and shoe thickness, check for even shoe and pad wear, check rotors for run out and hot spots, check hardware to make sure it is working properly and is also adjusted properly. Make sure wheel cylinders, brake lines and brake master cylinder are not leaking, inspect calipers for wear, free movement and fluid leaks, and check the level and condition of the brake fluid. Inspect proper routing and placement of the brake and antilock brake sensors.
All of these components need to be in good shape and working properly for the vehicle to have 100% brake system effectiveness while driving. For instance, did you know brake fluid is hydroscopic (meaning it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere). Brake fluid with high moisture content can corrode the system from the inside out and boil causing brake fade or failure.
If experiencing any of the following issues get immediate mechanical attention- low or spongy brake pedal, constant squealing or grinding brake noise, brake warning light on dash, vibrations or clunking noises when applying brakes.
We recommend having your brake system checked with each engine Service or at least every 6 months or 10,000 k's.
If you're wondering a Warrant of Fitness (W.O.F) inspection will check the performance of the brakes on the day, but it is not an invasive inspection so nothing is dismantled to monitor their wear or indicate how long the components are likely to last. It's up to the individual to ensure their vehicle is routinely maintained.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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51.9% Human-centred experience and communication
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15% Critical thinking
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30.1% Resilience and adaptability
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3% Other - I will share below!
Poll: Are you a Te Huia fan?
All three Hamilton MPs appear to be united behind the retention of the Te Huia passenger rail service between Hamilton and Auckland, as well as potentially expanding it to Tauranga.
But whether Hamilton East’s Ryan Hamilton, Hamilton West’s Tama Potaka and soon-to-be Labour list MP Georgie Dansey have the combined power to shunt transport minister Chris Bishop and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon onto their line of thinking remains to be seen.
Are you a Te Huia fan? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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80.4% Yes
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19.6% No
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