How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes

Nov 5, 2020

Close up of a brake rotor on a car

Ways to Maximize the Life of Car Brakes

Like oil and tires, the health of your brakes in your car needs to be a high priority. Every time you take a drive, you count on your brakes to bring you to a stop when you need it. Of course, brakes aren’t cheap to repair, so it’s best to take good care of them to make sure they last you a long time. Here’s how you can improve the lifespan of your brakes.

[ READ MORE: Signs that Your Brakes Could Be Going Bad ]

Tire removed from a car revealing the brake rotor

Coast to Slow Down

Did you know that changing your driving habits is the best way to ensure that your brakes will last a long time? When driving, you should already be planning ahead on your next movements. If not, you likely find yourself slamming the brakes right before stop signs or traffic lights. Instead, lift your foot off the gas pedal when you see brake lights ahead or the traffic lights turn yellow while you still have plenty of space to stop before you apply the brakes. Not only will coasting to slow down help protect your brakes, but it will improve your safety as the risk of colliding with another vehicle drops dramatically.

Be Gentle with Your Brakes Unless Necessary

Along with coasting to slow down, you should gradually apply the brakes. In other words, apply light braking as you slow down and increase it as the vehicle slows. Basically, you should be reserving hard braking for situations in which you really need it.

Replace Your Brakes as Needed

Even with defensive driving, your brakes will need to get replaced eventually. Have your local mechanic check your brakes whenever you get your vehicle serviced and replace your brakes as needed. This will ensure that you have full stopping power if you must suddenly apply your brakes.

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Are you searching for more ways to take proper care of your vehicle? Explore the OKCarz for more maintenance tips.