In this blog, you are going to know how to extend the life of your car brakes
The car brakes of your vehicle are one of the most important systems to maintain. The friction, excessive heat, and wearing of the brake pad over time damage the entire brake system.
Faulty brakes can prove dangerous, and even loss of life. Also, the cost of brake parts and labor charges is expensive. Hence, it is essential to consider the best ways to make your car brakes last longer.
Tips to extend the life of car brakes
Usually, the brake pads last between 30,000 miles to 80,000 miles. There are ways to extend the life of your brake pads, which will save you money and time.
1. Do not Overspeed
The best way to extend the life of your vehicle’s brake system is to refrain from high speed. Over speeding is one of the most common causes of premature brake damage. The high speed makes the brake wear exponentially as it begins to dissipate at least 33% of more energy than usual. The brake pads are responsible for converting energy to heat, which starts wearing out more quickly due to soaring energy dissipation.
2. Single foot use
Another important tip to contemplate is to prevent using “two feet” for your brake pedals. You might have observed car drivers accelerating the car with one foot and pressing the brake pedal with another simultaneously. Though some drivers think that driving improves their driving experience, it is vital to know that it is not a safe practice. Due to the continuous pressure on the brake, the car’s brake life shortens while driving. As time passes, this habit of tapping your brake pedals warps the rotors and causes premature wear.
3. Drive smooth
It would be a great idea to drive slowly and smoothly, paying attention to the traffic and vehicles ahead of you on the road. This way, you can slowly decrease your speed and not need to hurried press the brakes with a jerk. The moment you figure out that the signal has turned red, start slowing down rather than hurriedly putting brakes. When you follow a car too close, you will have to press the brake pedal much harder and more frequently, leading to early damage to the car brake system.
Allow yourself plenty of gaps from other vehicles to give yourself time to stop. This careful coasting habit will not only save you from getting an early brake pad replacement but also help you save fuel.
4. Travel light
Many vehicle owners keep a lot of heavy things in their cars. When the vehicle is loaded with significant weight, it increases the kinetic load. It is harder for the brakes to stop the vehicle, which is heavy. So, do ensure to remove unnecessary items from the car and make your car safer. The lighter the vehicle, the easier it is for your brakes to operate. Avoid using heavy stereo systems, body panels, and other customizations, and try to keep your car lighter to improve brake pad life.
5. Engine Braking
Engine braking is a great concept that not only enhances the life of the brake pads but also allows you better control over your vehicle.
Consider Engine Braking while coming down the long steep hill. Instead of pressing the brake pedal all the way down, try engine braking. Engine braking means that you slow down the car by using the gears. You can do so efficiently in manual transmission cars as well as automatic transmission cars. Keep the car in a lower gear and let the engine decelerate while the brakes may continue to rest.
6. Routine maintenance
To maintain your braking system, take your car to the brake specialists every six months to check your brake pads and rotors. Even the brake fluid must be flushed every 25,000 miles. A regular inspection by a skilled mechanic will make your brakes last longer. Your mechanic can identify the problems timely and implement the best solutions to keep the brakes in the best condition.
These tips and tricks will surely make your brakes last as long as possible. Do keep a check on the essentials like regular brakes fluid flush, examining the wear and tear of the brakes pad, and a regular car brakes service performed by a professional mechanic at a trusted auto repair shop. Getting regular brake services will ensure an efficient brake system.
Conclusion
Maintaining your brake system using the tricks above will keep you safe on the road and elongate your brake pads’ lifespan. It will save you from spending a lot of money and the hassle of getting car brake repair services.
Also Read:- Driving Habits To Avoid To Prevent Your Car Clutch From Damage
