How to Extend the Life of Your Brakes
How to Extend the Life of Your Brakes
Keeping your car’s brakes in good condition is one of the most crucial preventative maintenance items for keeping yourself, your passengers, and your car safe on the road. Your vehicle’s brake components are not going to last forever, but you can keep them properly maintained to preserve their usefulness and make sure they keep performing at their best. A faulty brake system can reduce your safety on the road and can cause other serious problems and expensive damages to your vehicle. Working brakes are essential to keeping safe on the road and could even be the difference between life and death.
Most brakes will lose their effectiveness after 25,000 miles, but factors like quality of the brake pad, braking habits, and the temperature can all have a significant impact on how long your car’s brakes last. Unlike oil changes or other maintenance items that are performed at regular intervals, a brake inspection is recommended once every six months or at the same time tire rotation service is performed. There are some steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your brakes by adapting your driving style to reduce the strain on your brakes.
Follow These Steps to Extend the Life of Your Brakes
Slow Down
The way you drive can affect your brakes. Speeding up and then slamming on the brakes will wear your brakes out faster than anything. The faster you’re driving, the more effort is needed by the braking system to bring your car to a stop. Bring your vehicle to a smooth and gradual stop.
Lose the Extra Weight
Having excessive weight in your vehicle has an impact on the brake pads. Having heavy equipment in the vehicle places an additional burden and pressure on the brakes, and the brakes will need to work harder to come to a stop. Only carry the essential items in your car; it’ll be easier on the brakes as well as the tires and fuel, too.
Use One Foot for the Brakes
Never press on the brake pedal with your left foot while pushing the gas with your right foot at the same time. This is known as brake riding and can quickly wear down the brake pads and warp the brake rotors. When traveling downhill, put the car in a lower gear, then apply the brakes with light pressure when needed to slow down safely. This will help maintaining the quality of your brakes. If you don’t want to end up going to a repair shop for premature brake services, change your driving habits, and use only one foot when driving.
Regular Maintenance
In order to make your brakes last as long as possible, it’s crucial to keep up with your car’s maintenance schedule. This will include checking brake fluid and conducting regular brakes fluid flush, examine brakes pad for wear, and regular brake inspection performed by mechanics at an auto repair shop. Getting regular brake services from your mechanic will keep the brake system in optimal working condition.
Maintaining your brake system and smart driving will help keep you safe on the road and increase the lifespan of your brake pads, saving you a lot of money on costly brake repairs. These helpful tips can help you to increase your brake’s longevity, improve your fuel efficiency, and save you tons of money.
