Car brakes are an important component of any vehicle. The pads will last for between 30,000-70,000 depending on a number of factors. If you want to prolong the lifespan of these, you can do so by practicing safe and smart driving. Read on to find out just some of the reasons why braking pads could wear out quicker than usual.
Harsh Braking
Emergency stopping is an essential skill to have when the time comes. However, harsh braking without cause can unnecessarily wear down car brakes. Stopping too late is a common cause for this. For the health of your vehicle, it’s always recommended to start pressing the pedal down lightly. Once you have shifted down gears, try to put the most pressure on the brake as you come to a stop.
To help reduce the need for harsh braking, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Not exceeding the speed limit can aid this. When you join traffic, avoid braking late as this causes excessive strain. Keep an eye on the vehicle in front and practice ‘tyres on tarmac’. This is a phrase used by many driving instructors. It simply means that you should be able to see the rear tyres of the vehicle in front of you touching the ground. This is relevant for when you are in a queue of traffic, ensuring that you brake early enough so that room is left between you and the person in front.
Heavy Braking At High Speeds
Using your car brakes harshly when the vehicle is going at a high speed can put even more strain on the system. If for example, you are on the motorway, ensure that you are going the speed limit so that there isn’t any unnecessary need to stop harshly. It’s important to overtake when necessary and do it in plenty of time. This avoids pushing your car brake pedal down too hard.
Excessive Weight
Unnecessary weight in your vehicle can prematurely wear out car brake pads. The extra kilograms puts strain on the system and in turn, increases the heat and how hard they work. If you keep heavy items in the boot of your vehicle for long periods of time, such as golf clubs, they this could be negatively impacting the system.
Contact Us For Quality Car Brakes Services
Our mechanics can repair or replace braking systems for all makes and models. We help to ensure that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. If you haven’t had the system checked in a while, ensure you book in for a servicing as soon as possible to ensure the vehicle is in good working order.
