7 Ways to Make Your Brakes Last Longer
Every driver knows that brakes are crucial when it comes to car safety and functionality. Bad brakes are a recipe for disaster! But many don’t realize the impact of their driving habits on how long their brakes will last.
Most vehicles go 20,000-70,000 miles before needing a brake replacement. Multiple factors influence brakes’ lifespan, causing it to vary widely from car to car.
If you live in an area with a lot of stop-and-go traffic like the DMV, you’re going to be using your brakes more often than someone who lives in a rural area with little traffic. The quality of your brake pads and rotors will also affect how long you can expect your brakes to last.
Though some factors are out of your control, making a few small changes in your driving style will not only make you a safer driver but also help your brakes last longer!
1. Don’t Be a Speed Demon
The greatest enemy of brakes is high speed. The higher your speed, the more energy—and brake material—it takes for your vehicle’s braking system to stop the car. At Virginia Tire & Auto, we recommend that you travel the speed limit and consider coasting.
2. Practice Coasting
Coasting is a technique where you take your foot off the gas pedal and let the vehicle slow down naturally before applying the brakes. Coasting isn’t appropriate for every situation on the road, but it tends to work well when you’re preparing to turn or if you see a stop sign or traffic slow-down ahead.
3. One Foot Only, Please
Maybe you’ve seen a car accelerate with illuminated brake lights before. This is a direct result of the driver pressing on the brake pedal with his left foot while simultaneously pressing the gas pedal with his right.
Some drivers think that using both feet to press the brake and accelerator will improve their response times. However, it’s not a safe practice for everyday drivers, and you run the risk of putting light, continuous pressure on the brake as you drive (also called brake riding).
Over time, this practice wears down the pads and warps the rotors. So keep your left foot on the floor and only use your right foot to accelerate and brake!
4. Try Engine Braking
One of the most tempting times to ride the brakes is when you’re coming down a long steep hill or winding down a mountain. Rather than pressing the brake pedal the whole way down, try engine braking and let the engine do all the work!
Engine braking is the process of slowing down your car by shifting down through the gears. It’s more effective in cars with a manual transmission, but you can do it with an automatic transmission too. By shifting your car into a lower gear, the engine will decelerate your vehicle, giving your brakes a break.
(Be careful when engine braking. Shifting at too high a speed or jumping to too low of a gear can damage your transmission and engine.)
5. Widen the Gap
Nobody likes a tailgater, and neither do your brakes! When you follow too close, you end up pressing the brake pedal harder and more often, causing wear and tear on your brake system.
Give yourself plenty of following distance to make it easier to coast to a stop and cut down on brake wear. And make sure to increase your following distance at night, in inclement weather or in other higher-risk driving conditions.
6. Lighten the Load
Overloading your vehicle can significantly decrease the life of your brakes. This is because the heavier your vehicle is, the harder the brakes have to work to bring the vehicle to a stop. Try taking out any unnecessary items and avoid taking on more weight than your car can safely handle.
Also consider the weight of aftermarket products before installing them on your vehicle since they might be heavier than their original equipment counterparts.
The lighter the vehicle, the easier it will be on your brakes, tires, gas tank, and, ultimately, your wallet!
7. Flush Brake Fluid at Regular Intervals
Brake fluid naturally attracts water, which lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid and reduces braking performance.
The added moisture can also lead to internal corrosion, causing parts of the braking system to rot away. To prevent this from happening, we recommend replacing and/or flushing your brake fluid regularly.
The standard industry recommendation is to get a brake fluid flush every two years or 25,000 miles. To get the specific manufacturer recommendations for your make and model, call any Virginia Tire & Auto location for a quick answer. We have the recommended maintenance intervals for every car ever made at our fingertips!
Read: Why Fluids Are Crucial for Proper Vehicle Maintenance
Get Your Brakes Inspected by a Professional
There are some brake problems that only a practiced eye will catch. The annual safety inspection required by the state of Virginia will indicate most brake maintenance issues. You can also opt for an in-depth brake inspection that will uncover things like unevenly worn brake pads that might not be caught during a general inspection.
It’s a good idea to bring your car in if you’ve noticed a change in your brakes’ performance—no matter when your next inspection is due. Schedule a visit today at any of our convenient locations.