The life of your car’s brakes isn’t just a matter of saving money on auto repair services – it’s also about keeping you and your passengers safe.
Brake maintenance is actually extremely simple, and it is something you can start doing right now – today! It all comes down to the way you drive your car.
1: No more start-stop driving
Start-stop driving is one of the worst things you can do to your brakes. Try braking sooner – just twenty or thirty yards sooner – and your brakes will thank you.
Also, it’s extremely important not to accelerate to stops. For example, if you can see a traffic light has turned red, take your foot off the accelerator and let your car begin to coast, then apply the brakes gently.
2: Don’t slam the brakes
One of the best ways to avoid brake-slamming is to leave plenty of space between your car and the car in front of you.
A general rule of thumb is to spot an object on the side of the road, like a telephone pole, and time how long it takes you to pass the object after the car in front of you passed it.
Generally, if it takes longer than three seconds, you’re good to go.
3: Don’t hold the brakes on steep hills
Have you ever seen the dirt ramps on mountain sides for semi-trucks whose brakes have burned out? The truth is, that can happen to any car, no matter how small they are.
Riding your brakes while driving downhill is dangerous and may leave you needing brake repair service. Instead, shift your car into a lower gear and pump the brakes. A general rule of thumb is to apply light braking for about five seconds when your car begins to pick up too much speed, then release the brakes.
Even with optimal driving skills, though, your brakes will eventually need some maintenance at an automotive repair shop. But that’s ok! Apply these tips to make sure your need for auto repair services is far less frequent.
