5 Ways to Take Better Care of Your Brakes

The brake pads and shoes on your vehicle are designed to last for a very long time. Some brands even offer a specified mileage or guarantee their products for life. But the reality is that at some point they are going to wear out. One thing you can do is pay attention to your driving habits and follow a few easy steps to make sure you get the maximum lifespan out of your brakes.

Watch That Left Foot

You should never use your left foot to use the brake pedal. Instead, always use your right foot. If you look around while you are driving, you might be surprised at how many people are driving at cruising speed with their brake lights on. This means the driver has a foot on the brake pedal. No matter how lightly the driver is applying the brakes, the pads or shoes will wear far more quickly than intended.

Play the Memory Game

If you drive the same routes every day, you probably already know where the stop lights and signs are and where traffic tends to slow down on a regular basis. Planning ahead and coasting when appropriate can help you reduce the amount of time you have to actually use your brakes.

Pay Attention to Traffic

By paying closer attention to the traffic and traffic lights ahead of you, you can learn how to time the lights and your speed to make sure you hit as many green lights as possible. You might also be able to see where traffic is backing up and find new ways to get around it that require you to stop less frequently, once again reducing the amount of wear and tear on your brakes.

Lighten the Load

Reducing the extra weight in your car can not only help save you money at the pump by increasing your fuel economy, but it can also help your brakes. The more weight you are hauling, the more difficult it is for your brakes to stop the car. This extra weight can and will cause extra wear on your brakes, so lighten the load and save your brakes.

Saving a Penny, Spending a Dollar

Never make the mistake of buying cheap brake pads and shoes. While doing this might save you money at the outset, it will only cost you more in the long run. Bargain pads might be cheaper, but they are only designed to last a very short time, as they wear quickly due to being made from inferior materials. Paying top dollar for premium pads will cost you more, but will provide many more years of service and offer better overall performance, making them a better choice.

By following these simple steps, you can make your brakes last for a long time. It also pays to have your brakes inspected by a professional regularly to make sure they are wearing evenly and that there are no other mechanical problems or leaks.

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