Your driving style has an impact on not only your safety and fuel consumption, but the lifespan of your car. Overusing your brakes or harsh brake use can cause premature damage to your brakes and lead to costly repairs.
When you use your brakes, they create friction and heat, which slows down your wheels. Every time you use your brakes, you wear them out a little. Brakes are supposed to wear down over time; it’s how they do their job; however, there are some things that you can do to reduce damage to your brakes.
Check out our top tips for conserving your brakes, saving you money and keeping you safe.
Keep Your Cool
You can give your brakes a little help by allowing them cool as much as possible, particularly if you know that they may be hot. If you have had to brake hard or frequently, for example harsh braking or hill climbs, and if it's safe to do so, cruise for a few minutes at the highest speed that is safe. This will take the pressure off your brakes and the high speed will create a cooling wind, to help your brakes return to normal temperatures. If you stop or drive slowly after harsh braking, avoid stopping or driving slowly if possible; a little high-speed cruise is what your brakes really need!
Maintenance
Like many parts of your vehicle, maintenance will help to prolong its lifespan. If you are concerned about your brakes, ask your mechanic to give them a look over and a clean and lubrication if needed. Investing a little time in your brakes now could save time and money in the future.
Keep your Distance
Emergency braking is one of the biggest killers for brakes! Keeping a good stopping distance between you and the vehicle in front will reduce your need to brake suddenly and preserve those pads.
Look Ahead
By looking ahead you will be able to anticipate potential obstructions. If you see, or know that you are approaching traffic lights, a junction or pedestrian crossing, or you spot children on the pavement, a cyclist or slow vehicle up ahead, you can save a considerable amount of wear on your brakes (not to mention fuel) by easing off the accelerator to reduce your speed instead of putting your foot on the brake. Dropping down a gear while reducing acceleration will further help you to slow down without putting strain on your brakes.
By following these simple tips you can considerably extend the lifespan of your brakes. Worried about your brakes? Don’t panic! Pop into your local mechanic and ask them to check your brake pads and give them a once over.