Everyone who owns a vehicle wants to do everything they can to extend its life and avoid repairs. One of the most important parts of your car to keep in good working order is your brakes. There are several things that can cause your brakes to wear out faster than they should. At Brakes On Demand, we’ve repaired a lot of brakes. Typically, your brakes should last between 25,000 and 60,000 miles. To keep from needing a brake replacement sooner than that, there are certain driving mistakes you should avoid.
If you can break these driving habits, you can put off a brake replacement!
Traveling at High Speeds
We know driving fast is fun, but traveling at speeds over the limit puts you at risk of more than just a ticket. The faster the car is going, the harder the brakes have to work to bring it to a stop. When it takes longer to bring your car to a stop, the brake pads and rotors are in contact with each other for more time. If they have to press together for a long time to stop the car, they wear out quickly.
Only Driving in High Gear
If you drive a car with a manual transmission, downshifting when driving downhill will extend the life of your brakes. Vehicles move slower at lower gears, and you can use that to your advantage when traveling downhill, especially on a steep incline. By driving in lower gear and traveling slower, you won’t need to engage your brakes as much. Even if you have an automatic transmission, most models have lower gears or a “sport mode” for steep inclines.
Neglecting to Flush Brake Lines
Flushing your brake lines should be a regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine. For most vehicles, it is recommended to flush the brake fluid every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Flushing the brake lines keeps bubbles from forming in the brake fluid. Air bubbles make your brakes work less effectively by keeping your brakes from being sufficiently lubricated, which increases mechanical wear.
Overloading the Car
Vehicles are designed to carry a certain amount of weight and exceeding that limit can cause extra wear to your brakes. Just like traveling at high speed requires more time to bring your car to a stop, so does excess weight. The more inertia an object has, the more difficult it is to stop. Always remove heavy objects from your car if you don’t need them and detach your trailer if you aren’t using it.
Brake Replacement by Brakes On Demand
Think you don’t have time to get a brake replacement? Think again! Brakes On Demand is a mobile brake repair service, so we come to you! We will come to you and repair your vehicle, whether it’s in your driveway or in the parking lot at your office.