How to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

July 13, 2021

A person is pressing the brake pedal of a car. | Lex Brodies

Your vehicle's braking system is the most important safety feature of your car, which is why you should always replace them on time. Your brake pads will last about every 50,000 miles, but they can vary depending on driving conditions and usage. Here are our top tips on how to prolong the life of your brake pads.

 

Avoid Speeding

Surprise-surprise, but speeding never ends well for anybody. If you hit a full and complete stop after ramping up your RPM, you are at risk of prematurely wearing out your brake pads. Brake pads operate by converting energy into heat – and this means they become worn out more quickly the more energy they have to dissipate. If you slow down slowly, you can save wear and tear on your brake pads. Another negative of hurrying into a stop is that you're wasting excess gas.

 

Only Use 1 Foot 

As you probably learned all the way back from Driver's Ed, you should only have one foot operating both the brake and acceleration pedals. "Two-footing" your pedals is an awful habit to get into because brake taps are more likely to happen. 

 

Lighten the Load

If you tend to keep a lot of junk in your car, all those items can collectively weigh a lot. Carrying heavy loads will lead to a heavy strain on your brake pads. At your convenience, lighten the load by getting rid of trash and unnecessary items in your car.

 

Flush Your Brakes

It is recommended that your brake should be bled and flushed every two years. Doing so will help your brakes work more effectively and keep their internal parts running longer. Over time, moisture can also cause internal corrosion, reducing the lifespan of brake parts like rubber seals.

 

Brake Service in Hawaii

We hope these tips help you save some time and money on brake maintenance. If you require a brake pad replacement, then our trusted mechanics at LexBrodies can do the job. We have been operating in Hawaii for 60 years! Give us a call or visit one of our 5 locations today.

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