How to make your brakes last longer
The braking mechanism in your car is used frequently on any journey and is therefore liable to wear out. Worn brakes are a safety hazard which need addressing immediately, either through repair or replacement, and this can become costly if you find you are wearing through brakes quickly.
If you are paying out for regular brake system replacements, this could be a sign you need to update your driving technique to be more brake-friendly. In this article, we will cover some techniques and tips which will help your brakes last longer.
Reduce braking from high speeds
Whenever you can, you should avoid braking hard whilst travelling at a high speed. Braking works by applying pressure to your wheels to slow their turning; the brakes have to work a lot harder to stop wheels that are moving faster. When driving, this translates to parts of your car’s braking mechanism being put under greater pressure, and receiving more wear, when you apply the brake at a high speed. Ideally, you should try to brake smoothly and gradually from high speeds to reduce unnecessary damage.
Coast
Coasting, or ‘engine braking’, can be a great way to use your brakes less and, therefore, reduce the wear they are regularly subject to. If you know you will soon need to reduce your speed, lifting your foot off the accelerator and coasting along will lower your speed steadily without using the brakes. This can be particularly worthwhile when reducing your momentum from a high speed to ensure you won’t put your brakes under as much intense pressure.
Stay alert
Although seemingly obvious, the more perceptive you are when driving, the better you will be able to anticipate and respond to upcoming issues. For example, if you notice a pedestrian beginning to cross the road ahead, you could begin to coast to reduce your speed and reduce the amount of brake pressure used.
Furthermore, using your own road awareness, rather than just mimicking the driver in front of you, can also be helpful. For example, the driver preceding you may only notice and brake for a red light as they reach it, whereas you could see it and slow down gradually, saving some unnecessary sharp braking.
Get footwork right
It is important you use your right foot for the brake and accelerator pedals and your left for the clutch only. You will never need to accelerate and brake at the same time so you only need one foot to control both. What’s more, if you do press both pedals simultaneously, this is really wearing on your brakes. If you ever notice other road users with brake lights flickering on and off when driving, it is likely they are tapping at the brake unintentionally with their left foot, and wearing their brakes out whilst they’re at it!
Get regular servicing
Taking your car to be thoroughly checked out at a regular service will ensure your brakes are working properly and fit for the roads. At this time, any little problems can be repaired and dealt with before they develop into more serious issues.
Furthermore, spending a little money on repairs when they crop up is always more efficient than letting the problem develop, leading to more extensive and expensive work being necessary down the line.
Auto Exhausts & Tyres have a team of experienced mechanics who provide high quality MOTs, servicing and car repairs. Our specialists put vehicle safety first and offer a friendly, reliable and thorough service at competitive prices for customers in Lincoln and the surrounding areas. For further information, or to book your car in, contact our team today.
