6 tips to prolong the life of your car's brake system
Good driving habits help with good braking. Most causes of premature brake wear are related to the way you drive. But it wouldn't be fair if we didn't say that there are other factors that can also cause your car's brakes and related hardware to go to waste. So here are some tips that you can keep in mind to give your wallet and car brakes a much-needed break.
Tailing is always a bad idea
Don't let impatience make you any better. You may feel like navigating will get you there faster, maybe not. So what is adjustment? The tailgate is at the back of the vehicle in front of you. In addition to reducing the car's fuel economy, cutting the rear of the car also puts you at risk of a head-on collision. And in order to avoid an impending car accident, it is necessary to resort to sudden braking. Braking hard and fast puts a strain on your brake system. So it's better to get rid of this boring habit. Unless you want to spend money on frequent brake replacements.
Change brake fluid every 2-3 years.
If you drive most cars, your car will also have hydraulic brakes. When you apply the brake, the vehicle will stop due to the pressure in the brake fluid. The brake system is fully sealed to maintain this tension. However, brake fluid heats up over time. As a result, there will be moisture contamination in the brake fluid reservoir. This accumulation of moisture can damage brake system components and may even cause rust.
To prevent this from happening, clean the brakes and change the oil each time you change the engine oil in your car. For this, you can park the car at a service center near you.
Don't use your left foot to brake
Somewhere, we all notice some bad driving habits. While some of them are holding you back, others are downright dangerous. One of the bad habits is using your left foot to brake. It will not be good for you or your car. You can accidentally step on the gas while the brake is pressed.
Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time causes a lot of friction in the brake system. Keep doing this and you will shorten the life of your brakes. So when you need to brake, get in the habit of sticking to your right foot. Put that left foot for the clutch pedal.
Slowing down before stopping
Another way to keep your brakes in top condition is to slow down before stopping. The brake system works by converting mechanical energy into heat. And when the energy is released as heat, the car will stop. So, if you stop your car while it is traveling at 100 km/h, the car's brakes will convert a much larger amount of energy into heat. It also means your car's brake pads will wear out much faster. Try to slow down a bit before braking.
Do not overload your vehicle
The heavier your vehicle, the shorter the brake life. When you need to stop the car, you apply the brake. But if the vehicle is heavy, the brakes will have to work harder to stop the engine. Therefore, you should brake quickly and avoid overloading the trunk. Moreover, it will also help you to earn better mileage.
Using the engine brake
If your car has a manual transmission, you can put the brake in a lower gear when going downhill. We call it engine brake. If you leave the car in a lower gear while going downhill, you won't have to brake. Okay, take longer for your brakes. In the long run, you won't need regular brake maintenance.
When you take your vehicle in for service, also check the thickness of the brake pads. If it wears out, you should definitely invest in a new brake pad. And don't forget to buy a good quality replacement.
Follow these tips and get the most out of your car's brakes. Good brakes ensure a smooth and safe ride. Therefore, whenever you feel that something is wrong with your car's brake system, make a note to bring it in for inspection!
