Brakes are crucial! It’s given that your car brakes need to be performing at their best at all times, but, overusing them – coupled with a lack of good care – has proven to deteriorate the quality of a car’s brake pads over time.
Regular brake pedal depression (a term for pushing the brake pedal down with your foot) can cause the brake pads to rub against disc brakes. This friction may lead the brake pedals to eventually wear out. This will slow down your car unless you get a regular car maintenance service.
We all want our car brakes to function right at all times. Don’t we? So, to keep them in great shape, regular car maintenance is a must-do!
If you want to cut to the chase and get expert car brake repairs, advice, and servicing, contact Motor Works, Christchurch’s leading automobile repair and service centre. Regardless, it’s important that you know basic nuances as to how you can take care of them on your own.
Here are 6 useful tips to help take care of your car brakes while you’re on the road
1. Avoid overloading your car
The heavier your car, the harder your brakes will have to work. We’re all guilty of leaving unnecessary luggage in our cars sometimes, but to get the most out of your car’s brake pads (and its overall lifespan) try to lessen the load and remove any luggage or items you don’t need. When your car is lighter it will be easier for your brakes, tyres, and tank to perform.
2. Avoid slamming on the car brakes
Are you the kind of driver who slams on the brakes at red lights, stop signs, and in front of other vehicles? Do you slam on the gas as the light turns green, hoping to leave others in the dust?
While doing so may seem like harmless fun, please leave the rigorous braking for the racetrack! Just because your car can go from 0 to 60 mph in a few seconds doesn’t mean it should. And, if you’re continuously slamming on the brakes, those delicate brakes may not last long.
If you have a heavy foot and slam on the brakes or accelerate too quickly, you are not only increasing your risk of accident, but you are also placing needless pressure on your car. You’re wearing down your brake pads, straining your engine, reducing the life of your rotors and wasting a lot more gas than you need to. Avoid hard starting and stopping unless you truly like going to the mechanic for repairs. Lightly touch to accelerate and decelerate.
3. Change brake fluids on a regular basis
Automobile specialists recommend that we flush or replace the brake fluids every few years (depending on your vehicle’s model and mileage). Fluids around the brakes attract water, which not only reduces the brakes’ efficiency but also causes them to start wearing off. This leads to a faulty braking system.
Flushing your brakes on a regular basis can enhance the effectiveness of your vehicle brakes, and, as a result, make your brakes last longer and your trips safer.
4. Slow down
Coasting is when you remove your foot off the gas pedal to allow your vehicle to slow down naturally before using the brakes. This procedure can help you in maintaining your car’s brakes. However, coasting isn’t the right call for all kinds of roads – for example – highways or congested routes.
5. Stick to (traffic) rules & regulations
If you travel within the legal speed limits, you will be able to keep your vehicle brakes in good working condition. Using brakes continuously during high-speed driving may cause significant damage to your brakes over time. And let’s not forget about being chased by an officer during such trips!
Driving at the recommended speed limit can also help you in adhering to traffic rules, ensuring that both you and your vehicle remain safe. It also saves money on repairs since careful driving will help your car last for a long time without needing to be serviced.
6. Maintain the gap
Under normal circumstances, you should use the “two second rule” to make sure you’re allowed a safe following distance between you and the car in front. You can only keep this up by driving mindfully, especially on congested routes and without slamming on the brakes abruptly.
Conclusion
Although these tips might sound very simple they work as a great reminder about brakes’ safety! After all, isn’t it better to be safe than sorry?
For car brake repairs in Christchurch, regular maintenance, and servicing visit Motor Works at 340 Tuam Street, Christchurch. Book an appointment online.