It is every driver’s ultimate responsibility to keep their brakes in good condition so that everyone on the road can be safe. Brake service is a crucial part of preventative maintenance. If neglected, you are at risk of serious problems and costly damages down the line.
Brakes can lose their effectiveness as early as 20-25K miles. Typically, they wear down from wear and tear, poor braking habits, and the type of environment in which they operate. It is usually recommended that you have your brake system completely inspected every 6 months or at the time of service.
To celebrate Brake Safety Awareness Month, we are excited to share the following braking tips with you:
Tips on How to Keep Your Brakes Longer
- Tip #1: Remove Extra Weight | When you haul heavier items around, it can negatively impact your brakes. It adds extra burden on the brakes, wearing them down quicker. Therefore, we recommend only carrying items and equipment that you need.
- Tip #2: Use 1 Foot | While you were probably taught this early on, you should only use one foot to switch between accelerating and braking. You should never use both, and especially not at the same time. Brake riding can tear up your brake components.
- Tip #3: Slow It Down | Constant stop and go or acceleration and braking can wear down your brake components faster. We recommend taking it easy and using gradual motions to slow down and stop your vehicle. Your brake parts (and wallet) will thank you!
- Tip #4: Regular Brake Maintenance | To extend the wear on your brakes, you should consistently check in on your brakes. There are many parts involved in the braking process, including brake pads, brake rotors, calipers, brake fluid, and more. When you have your brakes professionally inspected by trusted mechanics, you’ll have peace of mind that they are working as they should.
We hope these tips above help you in increasing your car’s braking ability and longevity. If you’re due for a brake inspection or service soon, please call or fill out our online appointment form today. We look forward to seeing you at Dub’s Garage.