The key is knowing the signs that your brakes may be worn regardless of your mileage. If you spend most of your drive time in an urban setting or frequently drive in stop and go traffic, you will wear out a set of brake pads more quickly than your neighbor who primarily drives on the highway opposite rush hour traffic. Pay attention to the following signs and have a mechanic check your brakes.
- Grinding, vibrating, or squealing when you brake
- Leaking or low level of brake fluid
- Your brake feels spongy or the pedal drops to the floor when you press it
- Your brake warning light comes on
Awareness of your vehicle and its handling is not only a safety issue for you, it can also help you stay ahead of brake wear and even extend the life of your pads and other brake components. If you notice, for example, that it suddenly takes more effort to completely stop your car, or that you need to pump your brakes to engage them, quick servicing from your HD AutoCare mechanic may save you money.
Your needed brake service in North Canton and Jackson Township may simply be flushing and replacing brake fluid, or new pads or shoes may do the trick. Sometimes rotors can be resurfaced rather than being replaced.
Tips for getting the most from your brakes
For some drivers, conditions that can be hard on brakes are simply out of their control. If your job means city driving or hauling heavy loads, you will need to replace brake pads more often than the average driver. The good news is there are several driving habits that are within your control that will both save your brakes and improve your safety every time you get behind the wheel.
- Slow down – Driving at higher rates of speed almost always mean braking at higher rates of speed, exponentially increasing the wear on your brake pads.
- Emulate the traffic in front of you – If traffic is stopping for a red light ahead, take your foot off the gas and coast before braking.
- Follow at a safe distance – More space between you and the vehicle in front of you means less need for braking and less chance that you will need to brake hard.
- Keep your other foot away from the brake – It is a fallacy that two-footed driving gives better response, but it will lead to tapping or resting on the brake while accelerating, thereby wearing down the pads.
- Lighten your load as much as possible – Get those winter sandbags out of your trunk to prevent your brakes having to work harder to stop that additional weight.
- Use engine braking on steep hills – Shifting into a lower gear will effectively slow your vehicle on a steep hill rather than using your brakes.
Brake inspections and regular maintenance are your two best methods of keeping your brakes working efficiently and safely. At HD AutoCare, our brake inspection service includes an examination of your entire brake system and anti-lock braking. We inspect all brake components and finish with a test drive to ensure your brakes are in good working order. Call today for an appointment.